Muslims abstain from consuming pork for a combination of religious and practical reasons. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:
1. Religious Prohibition:
The primary reason lies in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, which explicitly forbids pork consumption in several verses. Muslims believe in following the divine guidelines laid out in the Quran, and this prohibition serves as a core principle.
The Holy Qur’an attests to the haram(prohibition) status of pork multiple times, one of which is (Surah Al Ma’idah 5:3) which reads:
“Forbidden to you are carrion, blood, and swine; what is slaughtered in the name of any other than Allah; what is killed by strangling, beating, a fall, or by being gored to death; what is partly eaten by a predator unless you slaughter it; and what is sacrificed on altars.
You are also forbidden to draw lots of decisions. This is all evil. Today the disbeliever has to give up all hope of “undermining” your faith. So do not fear them; fear Me!
Today I have perfected your faith for you, completed My favor upon you, and chosen Islam as your way. But whoever is compelled by extreme hunger–not willing to sin–then surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful”
From this Surah, it can be seen that carrion (decaying flesh of an animal), blood, and the flesh of swine are forbidden for Muslims to eat.
Another Surah from the Holy Qur’an [Surah An-Nahl 16:115] proves pork to be forbidden and never to be consumed except if under a circumstance when it becomes a necessity and not by desire. This Surah reads:
“He {Allah) has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah, But whoever is forced (by necessity) neither desiring (it) nor transgressing (it limit) – then indeed, Allah is Forgiven and Merciful.”
These Surahs displayed above are pieces of evidence that prove that eating pork is a sin for a Muslim, and therefore should never be eaten.
Hadiths that prohibit eating pork
Just as seen from some surah that was provided from the Holy Qur’an, pork is also mentioned in the Hadith of the prophets.
According to Abd Ar-Rahman ibn Sakhr, one of the companions of the prophet, and a prolific narrator of hadith, also popularly known as Abu Hurayrah, narrates:
“The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) as saying: Allah forbade wine and the price paid for it, forbade dead meat and the price paid for it, and forbade swine and the price paid for it. (Sunan Abi Dawud 3485 – Book 23, Hadith 3478)”
2. Obedience to God:
By refraining from pork, Muslims demonstrate their submission and commitment to God’s will. This act of obedience strengthens their faith and deepens their connection with the divine.
3. Maintaining Spiritual Purity:
Islamic teachings emphasize spiritual cleanliness. Consuming forbidden foods like pork is believed to potentially compromise a person’s spiritual purity and hinder their connection with God.
4. Uncleanliness of Pigs:
Pork is considered unclean, unhealthy, and harmful because of the fats, toxins, and bacteria it contains. It’s also considered harmful because of the way pigs spend their lives rolling around in mud and their own excrement. Pork is prone to harbor parasites and diseases, making it a potential source of foodborne illnesses. Some say pork contains tapeworms and Trichinosis worms that cannot be killed by boiling or deep cooking. Others say pork can cause colon cancer, paralysis, and high blood pressure.
5. Potential Health Risks:
Traditionally, pigs were susceptible to harboring parasites and diseases transferable to humans if the meat wasn’t prepared properly. While modern farming practices have mitigated these risks to some extent, the concern remains a factor for some Muslims.
6. Emphasis on Cleanliness and Health:
Avoiding pork aligns with Islam’s emphasis on maintaining physical well-being. Muslims prioritize cleanliness and hygiene in all aspects of life, and dietary choices reflect this principle.
7. Cultural and Religious Identity:
Over time, avoiding pork has become a defining characteristic of Islamic culture and identity. It serves as a symbol of religious affiliation and fosters a sense of community among Muslims.
8. Self-Control and Discipline:
Abstaining from pork signifies self-control and discipline within Islamic practice. It demonstrates respect for religious traditions and reinforces the importance of moderation in all aspects of life.
9. Preservation of Tradition:
The dietary restriction on pork has been passed down through generations, upholding cultural and religious customs associated with food consumption.
10. Avoiding Sin:
By adhering to the prohibition, Muslims demonstrate their commitment to God and avoid committing a sin. This strengthens their spiritual bond and promotes a righteous way of life.
Scholarly Consensus:
There is a general consensus among the major Sunni schools of Islamic thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) regarding the prohibition of pork. They all base their rulings on the clear guidelines set forth in the Quran.
Conclusion:
Muslims’ decision to avoid pork stems from a confluence of religious principles, cultural norms, and practical considerations. By understanding these factors, we gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of dietary choices within the Islamic faith
