Mat Jubri@Shamsuddin, Mustafa (2025) Jurisprudential analysis of lotus silk's permissibility for Muslim men: a preliminary study. Jurnal Islam Dan Masyarakat Kontemporari, 26 (1). pp. 56-75. ISSN 1985-7667 E-ISSN 2289-6325
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Abstract
The emergence of lotus silk as an innovative sustainable textile has created significant jurisprudential considerations for Muslim men, particularly given the established Islamic prohibition of traditional silk. While classical Islamic jurisprudence demonstrates unanimous consensus (ijma') across all four madhahib prohibiting pure silk for men based on underlying principles ('illah) of avoiding luxury (tanaa'um), arrogance (khuyala'), and feminine characteristics, lotus silk presents novel challenges that existing frameworks have not comprehensively addressed. The research problem centers on the jurisprudential vacuum surrounding lotus silk evaluation, where contemporary fatawa demonstrate methodological inconsistency—some emphasizing material composition while others prioritizing final characteristics—resulting in unclear guidelines for scholars and consumers. This study employs qualitative library research methodology, utilizing content analysis of scientific literature and Islamic legal sources. The scientific review examines recent studies (2015-2024) on lotus silk's material properties, production methods, and commercial applications. The Islamic legal analysis focuses on classical jurisprudential foundations alongside contemporary fatawa from Malaysian religious authorities, particularly the 2024 fatwa from Jabatan Mufti Negeri Selangor addressing lotus silk. The findings reveal that classical jurisprudence provides robust precedent for characteristic-focused evaluation through extensive treatment of mixed silk fabrics (al-khazz), where scholars evaluated materials based on final characteristics rather than purely compositional factors. While lotus silk's plant-based origin avoids animal harm, its silk-like properties raise concerns about masculine norms and gender differentiation. Contemporary scholarly opinions trend toward discouraging lotus silk for men based on precautionary principles. The study concludes that developing clearer evaluation guidelines integrating both material composition and characteristic considerations is crucial for providing religious guidance on emerging textile innovations
| Item Type: | Article (Journal) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 'Illah, Islamic jurisprudence, Lotus silk, Silk prohibition, Sustainable textiles |
| Subjects: | BPH Islamic Economics > BPH114 Consumption. Halal issues BPH Islamic Economics > BPH121 Animal products. Halal issues BPK Islamic law. Shari'ah. Fiqh > BPK36 Islamic law (General) > BPK78 Usul al-fiqh K Law > KBP Islamic Law > KBP1 Islamic law.Shariah.Fiqh > KBP490 Furūʻ al-fiqh. Substantive law. Branches of law. |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh |
| Depositing User: | Dr. Mustafa Mat Jubri @ Shamsuddin |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Jul 2025 15:02 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Jul 2025 15:02 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/122094 |
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