Shaykh Abdul-Muhsin Al-Abbaad was asked:

Question:

“In our lands, they make shoes from leopard skin and from snake skin, so is this allowed to wear?”

Answer:

“That which is clear is using the skin of wild beasts is not allowed.” End translation. [Sharh Sunan Abu Dawood no. 453]

As for the skin of animals of prey, then it is a difference of opinion among the scholars. The scholars who hold the view that the skin of animals of prey are haram, such as Imam al-Awzaai, Abdullah bin al-Mubarak, Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn ul-Qayyim, ash-Shawkaani etc., use as proof narrations like:

‎عن أبي الْمَلِيحِ بنِ أُسامةَ، عن أبيه رضي الله عنه: ((أنَّ رَسولَ الله صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّم نهى عن جُلودِ السِّباعِ))

On the authority of Abul-Maleeh bin Usamah from his father that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited the skin of the animals of prey [Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood no. 4132]

They argue that wearing such skin is from arrogance. End quote. [Nayl al-Awtaar (2/103)]

Interestingly, Ibn ul-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy upon him) said that the prohibition is due to the skin “making the heart resemble the form/condition of the wild animals, for verily the [condition] of the external clothing travels down to the internal (i.e. the heart)” End translation. [Ighaathul-Lahfaan (1/55)]

This last point from Imam Ibn ul-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy upon him) shows an interesting connection between the clothing and the heart. Nonetheless, this is the proof and reasoning of these scholars.

And Allah Knows Best

Faisal bin Abdul Qaadir bin Hassan
Abu Sulaymaan