What is the ruling on the hair and wool taken from a non-ritually slaughtered animal (maytah)?
Chapter on Utensils
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The purified state of hair and wool taken from an animal that died without proper slaughter (maytah) is established if it is washed. This view is held by Malik, Al-Layth ibn Sa'd, Al-Awza'i, Ishaq, Ibn al-Mundhir, and the People of Reason (Ashaab ar-Ra'y), including Al-Hasan and Ibn Sirin. The evidence cited is the tradition narrated by Al-Daraqutni where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said there is no issue with touching the musk (miskh) of a dead animal if it has been tanned, and its wool and hair if washed. Furthermore, purification of detached items does not require the ritual slaughter of the origin, similar to fish and locust parts. Since death does not invalidate its substance, it does not become impure upon the animal's death, unlike its organs, and it lacks sensation or pain, which are signs of life.
Supporting text
It is narrated from Ahmad that the ruling indicates impurity. This is also the position of Shafi'i, who argues that because it grows from the animal, it becomes impure upon its death, just like its limbs. The opposing argument is refuted because the egg is exempt, and unlike limbs, the hair/wool lacks true life, and mere growth is not proof of life, as evidenced by hay.