The Use of Aquatic Animal Derived Materials in Modern Products: A Comprehensive Sharīʿa Based Analytical Study

The increasing incorporation of marine and aquatic animal derived ingredients into modern consumer products particularly in luxury goods has generated significant Sharīʿah concerns regarding their permissibility. These materials include fish collagen, marine peptides, squalene, chitosan, as well as derivatives obtained from reptiles such as crocodile, snake, and turtle skins used in leather products. This study offers a critical Sharīʿah-based analytical examination of the use of such aquatic resources, integrating classical Islamic jurisprudence with contemporary industrial practices. The research adopts a qualitative and analytical methodology grounded in sharia status. Particular attention is given to the classification of aquatic species purely marine, amphibious/ reptilian and their respective legal rulings across the different school of thoughts. The study further evaluates the legal implications of utilizing reptile skins (e.g., crocodile and snake leather) in modern products. The findings indicate that, the use of reptiles and amphibians presents substantial juristic challenges. Reptilian species, particularly predatory ones, are generally classified as impermissible by the majority of jurists, and their derivatives especially skins used in luxury goods remain contentious, with limited allowances subject to purification and tanning processes according to some opinions. The paper concludes that the Sharīʿah status of aquatic animal derived materials in contemporary products is not uniform but contingent upon species classification, method of extraction, degree of transformation, and intended use. It underscores the urgent need for harmonized halal standards, enhanced traceability, and interdisciplinary collaboration between Sharīʿah scholars and scientists to ensure compliance in the rapidly evolving global market.