What is the ruling on wiping over a khuff made from leather of unknown origin, type, and slaughter (dhakah)?

If the leather khuff is imported from countries where the majority of the inhabitants are Muslims or People of the Book, and it is not known that they do not perform the ritual slaughter (tadhkiyah), then it is presumed to be from a ritually slaughtered animal. However, if it is from countries where most of the inhabitants are Majus (Zoroastrians) or idolaters, then it is presumed to be made from the skin of a dead animal (maytah).

Scholars have differed regarding the purity of the skin of a dead animal after tanning: - Shafi'is and Hanafis: All skins become pure by tanning, except for the skin of a dog and a pig (the Hanafis add human skin). - Hanbalis: The prevalent view is that it remains impure even after tanning. - Malikis: It is impure, but it is permissible to use it for things related to pure water and dry objects, except for pig skin. - Some scholars (including Dawud al-Zahiri and al-Shawkani): All skins become pure by tanning.

Based on this, if the aforementioned khuff is from an animal slaughtered by Muslims or People of the Book, it is pure and it is permissible to wipe over it if it is from a permissible-to-eat animal. However, if it is from an animal slaughtered by Majus or those who have no religion, then it is presumed to be from a dead animal, and it is better to avoid it.