The Leather Craze: Modernity, Consumer Ethics, and Religion
The leather industry, rooted in ancient traditions, now holds a significant position in the global economy. However, its massive expansion following the Industrial Revolution and the rise of modern consumerism has led to adverse effects on the environment, wildlife, and cultural practices. This article explores the increasing demand for leather products after the Industrial Revolution. We will examine how changing lifestyles in modern societies fueled uncontrolled illegal hunting to meet the demand for leather, endangering certain species.
We will also discuss alternative perspectives on consumption in the leather industry, including the views of Abrahamic religions on this issue.
The Leather Industry and Its Impact on Wildlife
The leather industry revolves around processing animal hides into finished products such as clothing, shoes, bags, and furniture. Historically, leather production primarily involved domestic animals like cows, sheep, and goats. However, the rising demand has pushed certain sectors to exploit exotic and wild species. Animals like crocodiles, pythons, and ostriches are hunted for their prized leather, especially in the luxury industry. This overexploitation has driven some species to critically low population levels, threatening their survival.
The use of python leather in the mass production of luxury goods
Consumerism and Environmental Challenges
What was once a small-scale, artisanal trade has become a significant threat to wildlife due to modern consumerism and lifestyle changes. Increased demand for leather products, especially luxury items like crocodile or snake leather, has led to overexploitation of wild species. This starkly contrasts with the past, where leatherwork and tanning were in harmony with natural environmental cycles and confined to modest artisanal practices. Urbanization has also transformed leather into a status symbol, driving mass production and illegal hunting. Mechanization and mass production have made it easier to meet this growing demand, but at the cost of biodiversity. Regions rich in wildlife, such as Africa and Southeast Asia, have become hotspots for intensive hunting.
Africa’s exceptional biodiversity has always attracted illegal hunters.
Modern consumerism, coupled with excessive accumulation of goods, has exacerbated the leather industry's effects. These practices disrupt ecosystems and threaten global biodiversity. Addressing these challenges requires promoting sustainable alternatives, strengthening regulations, and raising consumer awareness. Additionally, leather tanning, especially in developing countries, relies on toxic chemicals like chromium, which contaminate soil and water. The industry's mass production also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly when deforestation is used for cattle ranching.
Ethical Perspectives and Alternative Approaches
Despite the overwhelming wave of consumerism that swept through the modern world post-Industrial Revolution—of which the leather industry was but a small part—some ethical perspectives have endured in certain societies. These views, rooted in structured lifestyles, aimed to limit the excessive slaughter of endangered animals. Although these approaches, often inspired by religious principles, were largely sidelined by modernity, revisiting some of their teachings could provide valuable models for our time. This is especially relevant in an increasingly globalized world, where cultural exchanges foster mutual understanding and the potential for more humane lifestyles.
To better grasp this issue, we will examine the views of major religions on the leather industry.
Religious Perspectives on Leather Production
The Abrahamic religions (Islam, Judaism, and Christianity) offer distinct perspectives on the ethical and ritual aspects of leather use and production.
Halal Leather Restrictions
In Islam, leather is only considered permissible (halal) if it comes from animals slaughtered according to dhabiha (ritual slaughter) guidelines. The animals allowed for consumption are typically domesticated quadrupeds, which also serve other purposes, such as providing food and dairy products. These include sheep, cattle, camels, and certain birds. Given their essential roles in various societies and cultures, these animals are bred as livestock, protecting them from extinction. Leather from non-halal sources or animals not slaughtered ritually is prohibited.
Positive Effects of These Restrictions
Such rules limit excessive hunting of wild animals, as halal leather must come from domesticated species intended for human consumption. This indirectly protects non-consumable species, like tigers, crocodiles, or snakes, which are often targeted in other contexts. Indeed, a deep reflection on the Quran and the writings of Muslim thinkers reveals that the use of leather is considered merely a byproduct of the consumption of lawful domestic animals for food. Consequently, hunting with the primary and exclusive purpose of producing leather is deemed unacceptable.
In the Quran, in response to a question from Muslims about hunting, it is stated: "As for what you have taught hunting dogs [to catch], teaching them out of what Allah has taught you, eat of what they catch for you and mention Allah’s Name over it, and be wary of Allah. Indeed, Allah is swift in account." (5:4)
Muslim exegetes, in their interpretation of this verse, particularly the part emphasizing mindfulness of Allah in the act of hunting, explain that this highlights the necessity of refraining from hunting or capturing animals for motives other than meeting dietary needs.
Mohammad Hussein Tabatabai, one of the greatest Quranic exegetes, writes: "After establishing the rules of hunting, Allah, the Exalted, concludes with this statement: 'And fear Allah, for Allah is swift in account.' This indicates that in matters of hunting, one must fear Allah and avoid killing wild animals unnecessarily or excessively. It is forbidden to hunt merely for recreation, entertainment, ostentation, or to demonstrate strength. One must understand that Allah is swift in reckoning and may punish acts of injustice and aggression not only in the Hereafter but also in this world. These acts of cruelty, trapping without justification, and recklessly killing innocent animals, as we have often observed, result in nothing but harm and misfortune for those who engage in them."1
A leather market in Morocco, North Africa. Due to religious and cultural constraints, leather markets in Islamic countries rarely showcase luxury leather from endangered species.
A similar principle applies to kosher laws in Judaism. Leather must come from animals slaughtered ritually according to shechita rules. Certain Jewish rituals, such as the creation of tefillin (leather straps), specifically use kosher leather. Unlike Islam and Judaism, Christianity imposes no explicit restrictions on leather use. However, modern concerns have sparked ethical debates about animal suffering and the environmental impact of leather production.
Tanning as a Profession
In Islamic societies, tanning is considered a licit profession aligned with religious principles. However, it remains moderately esteemed and lacks widespread appeal. Unlike butchery, explicitly categorized as "makrooh" (religiously discouraged yet permissible due to its cultural necessity), tanning does not carry such a status. Nonetheless, it is a profession people rarely pursue unless under specific or pressing circumstances.
Ethical Limits on Overexploitation
Religious restrictions act as barriers against excessive exploitation of certain animal species. These rules promote responsible production and mitigate negative impacts on ecosystems. Islamic teachings exclude non-domesticated animals and those not consumed by humans, preventing the commercial hunting of endangered species. Islam also advocates moderation and respect for natural resources, countering the trend of overproduction.
Conclusion
The modern leather industry stands at a crossroads between tradition, consumerism, and ethics. While the Industrial Revolution and growing demand have intensified impacts on wildlife and the environment, religious restrictions, particularly those in Islam, provide a framework that limits certain forms of exploitation. Today, adopting sustainable and wildlife-friendly practices is essential to balance economic needs with ecosystem preservation.
