SHAH ALAM - A question has emerged regarding whether it is permissible to touch a capybara, especially after it is commonly translated in Malay as “babi air” or water pig.
The issue often arises among visitors to petting zoos where various tame animals can be handled and petted.
From an Islamic perspective, scholars explain that only two categories are classified as severe impurity (mughallazah), namely dogs and pigs, which require a specific cleansing method if touched involving seven washes including one with soil.
However, it is clarified that the capybara, despite its misleading local translation, does not belong to the pig family or species.
The capybara, scientifically known as Hydrochoerus Hydrochaeris, is the largest rodent species in the world. It resembles a small pig or a large guinea pig and is known for its strong swimming ability.
Unlike pigs, which belong to the Suidae family and are classified as omnivorous mammals, capybaras are completely different in biological classification. As a result, touching a capybara is not equivalent to touching a pig.
Since it is not categorised under ‘mughallazah’ impurity, interacting with, petting or touching a capybara is considered permissible and does not require ritual cleansing.