The Provisions of Using Elephants’ Ivory Bone: An Applied Jurisprudential Study

Abstract

The study aimed to clarify the rulings on the use and utilization of ivory in Islamic jurisprudence. It followed both the inductive and analytical methods, elucidating the nature of ivory and the rulings on the purity of bones from deceased animals, with a particular focus on elephant bones, through presenting the opinions of jurists. It also addressed the rulings on the utilization of ivory through sale and its use in various industries, as well as its use in medicine and treatment. The study sought to determine the most authoritative opinion based on evidence and in alignment with the objectives of Sharia. The study concluded with several findings, including that elephant bone is considered pure according to the most authoritative opinion, that the sale of ivory is permissible, and that it can be used in various industries and in the field of medicine, such as being implanted in the human body, when necessary, without affecting the validity of prayer. The study recommended incorporating the rulings on the utilization of ivory into academic curricula and presenting papers at conferences to explore this topic in a manner consistent with contemporary realities.