How was silk made during the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and is it permissible to own it for adornment, even though its production requires killing silkworms, and Islam forbids burning animals?

First: Silk was not produced in Mecca or Medina during the time of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. Rather, it was bought from neighboring countries. To obtain intact silk threads, the silkworm must be killed before it emerges from the cocoon, because its emergence cuts the silk threads. This is done by soaking the cocoons in hot water to remove the gummy substance and loosen the threads.

Second: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade torturing animals with fire. However, this prohibition is restricted to cases where there is no need. If there is a need, then it is permissible, such as frying locusts alive. Submerging the cocoon in hot water is not for the purpose of torture, but for the purpose of benefiting from the silk and preserving it. Therefore, it is permissible.