The items declared to be haraam [1] by the Shari`ah for eating are, in fact, prohibited for use as edibles. The use of these items, or their parts, for purposes other than eating is not prohibited by the Shari`ah . If you look closely at the words of the Qur'an, you shall see that they clearly prohibit the use of such items as edibles only. This opinion is further substantiated by the a number of narratives in which the use of the skin or other items of dead animals, for purposes other than eating has been allowed by the Prophet (pbuh) and his companions (ra). In view of the foregoing clarification, in my opinion, the Shari`ah does not prohibit the use of the referred paintbrush. An individual may use it, or may due to his own personal dislike, refrain from using such items. Nevertheless, such a personal choice cannot be made a part of the Shari`ah . As far how should one clean the table is concerned, it is once again not a part of the Islamic Shari`ah . One may, therefore, resort to any method that makes one feel comfortable. 25 th June 2000 [1] These items include: Flesh of a dead animal (which otherwise is generally used as edible); Flowing blood; Flesh of a swine; and Anything that is slaughtered in the name of someone other than Allah or is slaughtered without taking Allah's name on it. Answer published by Moiz Amjad