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We all know that eating pork is forbidden in Islam, but have you ever wondered why? To get to the bottom of this, we need to look at the reasons behind this rule. That’s why, in this blog, we’re going to explore why Muslims can’t eat pork, looking at both Islamic teachings and the health risks associated with it.
Keep reading to learn more and find the answers you need.
Pork is the meat of pigs and boars. Many people around the world consume it, like bacon, ham, and sausages. While it's a common food in some cultures, for us Muslims, eating pork is a big no-no. In Islam, pork is considered impure, and we don't consume it due to its status as non-halal food.
It is mentioned in the Quran,
“He has only forbidden you (to eat) carrion, blood, swine,1 and what is slaughtered in the name of any other than Allah…”
(Surah An-Nahl, verse 115)
So, it’s important to learn about Islamic dietary laws and always choose halal options. We know that sometimes finding halal food can be tough. That’s why we offer halal products, like organic honey, dates, talbina, and more.
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We must remember that Islam is a religion that promotes ease and well-being. The reason Muslims avoid pork is because it’s a clear command from Allah. Indeed, Allah forbids only that which is najas (impure) as He intends ease and wellness for us. The Quran, Hadith, and even the Bible mention that pork is haram.
The Quran mentions multiple times in different chapters that Muslims can’t eat pork. Its consumption is prohibited clearly in Surah Al-Baqarah, Surah Al-Nahl, Surah Al-Ma’ida, and Surah Al-An'am.
Allah commands in the Quran,
Say, (O Prophet), “I do not find in what has been revealed to me anything forbidden to eat except carrion, running blood, swine—which is impure—or a sinful offering in the name of any other than Allah. But if someone is compelled by necessity—neither driven by desire nor exceeding immediate need—then surely your Lord is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
(Surah Al-An’am, verse 145)
In this verse, swine refers to both domestic pigs and wild boar. Allah strictly forbids us from eating pork. However, it is important to note that Allah allows Muslims to consume it in extreme situations, like if someone has severe hunger and has no other halal food options.
The prohibition of eating pork is not only mentioned in the Holy Quran but also Hadiths. Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“Allah forbade wine and the price paid for it, and forbade dead meat and the price paid for it, and forbade swine and the price paid for it.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud, 3485)
In this Hadith, we can clearly see that wine, dead meat and pig are haram (forbidden) for Muslims to consume. So, Muslims should be mindful of their food choices, especially when living or travelling to non-Muslim countries. Don’t forget to read this comprehensive guide on how to eat halal while travelling to get access to practical tips!
Did you know the prohibition of pork isn’t only unique to Islam? It is also mentioned in the Bible where God prohibits pork consumption in the book of Leviticus,
“… and the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean to you.”
(Chapter 11, verse 7)
Besides religious restrictions on eating pork, many research studies revealed that pork consumption is unhealthy and may lead to several diseases, such as cancer, heart attack, and jaundice (liver infection).
Let’s get into the details:
By reading these scientific disadvantages we may understand why pork is haram in Islam:
a. Pork is high in saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels in your body when consumed. It can lead to multiple health issues such as heart attack, obesity, and liver infection.
b. According to WHO, processed meat like ham, bacon, and sausage can cause cancer. The researchers found that if you consume 50 grams of processed meat each day, it is likely to raise your risk of cancer by 18 percent.
c. Swine flu virus is another reason why pork is bad for you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H1N1 and H3N2 are swine flu viruses that are commonly found in pig populations. They can transmit from pigs to humans and from humans to humans too.
d. Moreover, Pork contains high levels of purines, which are compounds that turn into uric acid during digestion. When uric acid builds up in the joints, it can lead to gout.
Did you know that pigs carry many parasites in their bodies? These include tapeworms, the Hepatitis E virus, the Nipah virus, and many more. Also, Pork carries harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause foodborne illnesses. Whether you come into direct contact with pigs on farms or eat their meat, you put yourself at higher risk of facing severe health problems.
The pig is one of the filthiest animals on the earth. It lives and thrives on filth, muck, and dirt. Some may argue that in developed countries, pigs are bred in very hygienic conditions. Even in these conditions, they are kept together. They eat their own as well as their neighbour’s faeces.
Another concern about them is that they lack functional sweat glands which means they hardly sweat. Sweat glands play a crucial role in helping the body eliminate toxins. So when pigs cannot sweat properly, more harmful toxins remain in their bodies. As a result, you take these toxins into your body, leading to serious health issues.
In summary, Islam forbids Muslims from eating pork because it is an impure animal and purity is rooted in Islamic beliefs. We also discussed potential health risks associated with consuming pork, including various diseases and viral infections. By abstaining from consuming pork, we express our obedience and submission to Allah’s will.
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