If you have a Muslim friend or you are a new Muslim, you must be wondering why Islam forbids its followers from eating pork, right?
Since pork ribs are delicious and widely consumed in the United States and other regions. How can Islam stop its followers from enjoying such things?
In this blog, we will define why Muslims refrain from eating pork, what are the teachings regarding it in the Holy Quran and Hadiths and what are the medical benefits of eliminating pork from your diet.
Why can’t Muslims eat pork| Answered with Quran
Islam means submission to the will of Allah and his messenger, and Allah has forbidden several things in the Quran, including eating pork.
The Quran says in Surah An-Nahl Verse 115, He has only forbidden you ˹to eat˺ carrion, blood, swine, and what is slaughtered in the name of any other than Allah.
In Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 173, He has only forbidden you ˹to eat˺ carrion, blood, swine, and what is slaughtered in the name of any other than Allah. But if someone is compelled by necessity—neither driven by desire nor exceeding immediate need—they will not be sinful. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
In Surah Al-Anam Verse 145, Allah says to the Prophet (PBUH), 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.”
In Surah Al-Maidah Verse 3, the Quran details what Muslims can eat and should leave. The Quran says, 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.
From these Surahs, we can conclude that Allah has ordered Muslims not to eat pork, blood, scavengers, and the animal which has an animal which has not been slaughtered or killed in the name of Allah.
Why don’t Muslims eat pork| Answered with Hadiths
You can find several Hadiths excluding the consumption of pork from the daily lives of a Muslim. From the Hadiths, we can surely say that pork is considered the worst thing to eat in Islam.
In Sahih Muslim 155a, it is reported by Abu Huraira that Prophet Essa (PBUH) will be sent back to this world as the best and just judge. He will break all the crosses that are worshiped in Churches, kill swine that are used for eating, and abolish tax.
You can find the exact words of the Hadith here.
In Sunan Abi Dawud 3485, The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) as saying: 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.— Narrated by Abu Hurairah.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has strongly advised us to avoid pork, even the plates that were used to serve pork. In the Hadith from Abi Dawud, Abu Tha’labah al-khushani said that he asked the Messenger of Allah(PBUH): We live in the neighbourhood of the People of the Book and they cook in their pots(the flesh of) swine and drink wine in their vessels. The Messenger of Allah(PBUH) said: If you find any other pots, then eat in them and drink. But if you do not find any others, then wash them with water and eat and drink (In them). Sunan Abi Dawud 3839
Conclusion
It is clearly stated in the Quran and Hadiths that eating pork is forbidden for Muslims. This is due to several benefits associated with not eating pork and because Allah has ordered.
Islam is a religion of submission. You have to submit your will and live life in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah. Therefore, Muslims avoid the consumption of pork and scavenger’s meat.
In most Muslim countries, you won’t be able to find pork easily, like in the United States or the UK. This is because the practice of not eating pork is deeply rooted in Muslim society, and this is where no Muslim compromises. You will see a Muslim drinking alcohol but not eating pork.
Can Christians eat pork?
We have widely witnessed both Catholics and Protestants having pork at their dinner table. You must have seen a roasted pig with an apple in his mouth presented to rich people in movies or cartoons. Yeah! That is the case with most Christian countries.
However, you will be stunned to know that eating pork is forbidden in the Bible, but still, the Christian community eats it. Here are a few references from the Holy Bible that forbid eating pork.
In the Book of Leviticus Chapter 11, Verse 7-8, The name of the Pig is clearly mentioned to avoid eating. The chapter further talks about what you can eat and what you can eat.
In the Book of Deuteronomy Chapter 14, Verse 8, It is clearly mentioned not to eat pig. “The pig is also unclean; although it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. You are not to eat their meat or touch their carcasses.”
Similarly, the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 65, Verse 2-5, mentions avoiding pork and magic.
Is pork consumption allowed for Jews?
The Torah clearly states that eating pork is not allowed. In Leviticus, Chapter 3, the sacrifices of a sheep and a goat are mentioned, but no pig or camel is present. The message is repeated in Deuteronomy 14:8, “And the pig, because it has a split hoof, but does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You shall neither eat of their flesh nor touch their carcass.”
The dangers of eating pork according to science
Several researchers have suggested that the consumption of pork can lead to many diseases. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, pork meat, especially pork liver, is one of the causes of hepatitis E. WHO posted a researcher who suggested the reason for rising cases of hepatitis E in developed countries is undercooked meat, particularly pork.
Another risk associated with eating pork is multiple sclerosis. A previous study focused on residents of Scotland’s Orkney and Shetland Islands, known for their unique foods such as seabird eggs, raw milk, and undercooked meat. The research identified just one dietary link to multiple sclerosis (MS): eating “potted head,” a dish made from boiled pig’s brain.
Eating pork can lead to liver cancer. This is a fact that hasn’t got the limelight it should have got, and we blame all liver issues on the consumption of alcohol. Here is a research published on the correlation between chronic liver disease and the consumption of pork and alcohol.
Yersiniosis is another condition associated with pork. Symptoms include fever, pain, and bloody diarrhea, but long-term consumption can lead to arthritis.
Pork meat also contains parasites that can cause cysticercosis, which leads to epilepsy. Parasite eggs can enter the stomach and cause trichinosis, an infection of parasitic roundworms called Trichinella.
Wrap Up
So far, we have discussed everything you need to know about why Muslims can’t eat pork and why to avoid it. We have mentioned verses from the Holy Quran and mentioned Hadiths.
We went further and discussed what the Bible and Torah say about eating pork. Then, we disclosed some buried facts and scientific studies that showed the harms of eating pork meat.
We believe we have clarified our point, and you won’t eat pork after reading this blog.
FAQs
Can Muslims eat pork meat?
No, Muslims are forbidden to eat pork meat as per the Quran and Hadiths. However, they can eat pork meat or anything that’s forbidden if nothing is available, and it’s a matter of life and death.
Is pork hallah?
Pork is forbidden in the Quran, Bible, and Torah. Muslims, Christians, and Jews are forbidden to eat pork. However, several Christians and Jews eat pork meat in the United States and Israel.
Can Bismillah purefy pork meat?
Sorry, the things that are forbidden by Allah can’t be purified. However, you should always say Bismillah before starting your meal and say Alhamduillah after ending it.
What happens if a Muslim eats pork?
Nothing will happen if a Muslim unknowingly consumes pork, and he will not be held responsible for this on the day of Judgement. However, if a Muslim eats pork meat deliberately and enjoys it, he should quit eating it and ask for forgiveness.
In short, it’s not haram if you eat pork without knowing it.
Why did Allah forbid eating pork?
Allah is the best planner! He has forbidden us to eat pork and drink alcohol, and so shall we follow his command.
We have mentioned the Quranic verses that forbid a Muslim to eat pork. Now, science has proved that pork meat and other eatables carry bacteria and parasites, which can cause several diseases.
