Is it allowed to put a piece of animal skin, leather or such upon the stomach of a breastfeeding baby boy or girl or an older child? We in the South of Saudi Arabia put such a piece of leather upon the stomach of the girl, small child or older. We hope that you will benefit us on this matter.

If that piece of animal skin is put on the child as a kind of amulet to protect the child from harm or to bring about some good, then that is forbidden, and could even be a form ofshirk. If it is put for a sound reason, such as to keep the naval from bulging or to strengthen the back , then there is no harm in that.