A Marriage Match with a Family That Makes Pig-Bristle Brushes

Question

The sister of a relative of mine has had a marriage match settled with a family in Kanpur. The young man’s family and the young man himself are in the business of importing and exporting goods. A few days ago, when steps were taken to fix the wedding date, it came to light that these people have received an order from somewhere abroad to have brushes made and sent, and they are having them made and sending them abroad; but the brushes are made of pig’s hair and sent as such.

Answer

According to the correct view, pig’s hair is impure (najis), and selling it is likewise impermissible, as is found in the books of fiqh — al-Durr al-Mukhtar, Shami, al-Bahr and others. However, that the brushes are made of pig’s hair needs verification, because a certain gentleman told me that it is a kind of grass from which they are made; and in a brush there are, besides…

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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