His statement, “and carrion,” is coordinated with his statement, “except for the dog.” The author intends to clarify which tangible items may not be sold, and he mentioned the dog, insects, the mushaf, and carrion.

We have excluded from insects those from which some benefit may be derived, giving as examples leeches for drawing blood and worms for catching fish.

The sale of carrion is invalid, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Allah has forbidden the sale of carrion.” He attributed the prohibition to Allah in order to emphasize it, because attributing a matter to the King of kings puts an end to all dispute concerning it: no one can possibly contend with it. Thus, Allah, exalted is He, has forbidden the sale of carrion.

The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them—being eager to learn—raised a question, saying: “O Messenger of Allah, what about the fat of carrion? Ships are coated with it, skins are greased with it, and people use it for lamps.”

Ships are made of wood and are coated with fat so that they acquire an oily layer from which water slips away and does not penetrate the wood; for if it penetrated the wood, it would weigh them down.

“And skins are greased with it”—this is clear—so that they become supple, for when a skin is greased, it softens.

“And people use it for lamps,” meaning that they make lamps from it. In earlier times, people would use oil as fuel: they would place it in a vessel, put a wick in it, and light the tip of the wick for illumination. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, then said: “No, it is prohibited.” (1)