Is purification of a hide achieved solely through the tanning process before washing it with water?
Chapter on Utensils
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
There are two scholarly opinions on this matter. The primary view holds that purification is not achieved until the hide is washed with water. This is supported by the Prophet's statement regarding a dead sheep's hide: 'Water and qirz purify it' (Reported by Abu Dawud). Additionally, the tanning agent becomes impure upon contact with the hide; thus, if the hide is tanned while the agent remains impure, the impurity of the hide persists until it is washed away.
Supporting text
The alternative view asserts that purification is achieved immediately upon tanning. This is based on the Prophet's statement: 'Any hide that is tanned has been purified.' Moreover, purification occurs through transformation (inqilab), meaning it does not require the use of water, analogous to wine turning into vinegar.