Is leather haram if the animal dies a haram way?

The permissibility of using leather from animals that died in a haram manner is a nuanced issue in Islamic jurisprudence, and scholars from both Sunni and Shia traditions provide different insights on this matter.

According to Sunni scholarship, as reflected in Sunan al-Tirmidhi, the Messenger of Allah said, Any tanned leather is purified. Sunan al-Tirmidhi 24:9SunniSahih (per Al-Albani) Most scholars base their rulings on this, stating that even skins of carrion become purified when tanned, except those of dogs and pigs. This indicates that if the skin of an animal is tanned properly, it can be used, even if the animal died in a haram way, provided that it is not from a prohibited animal.

On the other hand, Shia scholarship, as reflected in Al-Kafi, emphasizes that the animal's death must be lawful for its skin to be considered pure or permissible for use. If the animal died in a manner deemed haram, such as not being slaughtered according to Islamic law, its skin would typically be considered impure and not suitable for use.

In conclusion, while there is a general permissibility in using tanned leather from animals that died in a haram manner in Sunni jurisprudence, Shia scholars maintain that the animal must be lawfully slaughtered for its skin to be deemed permissible. For specific situations and detailed rulings, it is always best to consult a qualified local scholar.