Challenges of Halal Certification for Non-Food Products

Shoes made from pigskin have once again sparked debate among Indonesian Muslim consumers. Republika reported that scholars differ in opinion regarding their permissibility, especially on whether the tanning process (dibaghah) can purify pigskin, thereby allowing its use. According to the Syafi’i and Hanafi schools of thought, pigskin remains impure (najis) even after tanning, and therefore its use is prohibited. Syafi’i scholars even equate the impurity of pigs with that of dogs (classified as najis mughalladzah, or severe impurity) that persists from life until death, meaning no process can purify it.