Pork is one of the most commonly consumed meats worldwide. However, in Islam, pork is one of the prohibited foods, and it is not allowed for Muslims to consume it or to cook it. This prohibition of eating pork is not only a religious obligation in Islam but also has several scientific reasons. This essay will discuss why pork is prohibited in Islam, both from religious and scientific perspectives.
From a religious viewpoint, pork is prohibited in Islam as it has been stated in the Quran:
“Forbidden to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah.”
(Al-Ma`idah 5:3).
This indicates that pork is impure and harmful to human consumption, and it has been forbidden by Allah (Exalted be He). This prohibition of pork is not only limited to Muslims but also Jews and some Christian sects follow the same approach, as it is mentioned in the Bible (Leviticus 11:7-8).
From a scientific perspective, pork is a dirty and high-risk meat to consume, which can cause numerous health issues. Pigs are the scavengers of the animal kingdom and are known for consuming anything they find, including feces, urine, and other contaminated food. This means that their flesh contains harmful bacteria and toxins such as Salmonella, E.coli, and Trichinella, which cause food poisoning and other serious illnesses.
Moreover, pigs carry several viruses and parasites, including tapeworms, viruses that lead to swine flu, and influenza, which can cause severe diseases like meningitis, and even death. Additionally, pork has high-fat content, which contributes to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
In brief, pork is prohibited in Islam due to religious and scientific reasons. Islam prohibits consuming pork to maintain cleanliness, purity, and good health. Pig’s habitat and dietary habits increase the risk of food poisoning, viruses, and parasites. Therefore, Muslims follow the rules stated in the Quran and Hadiths to avoid the harmful effects of pork consumption. Additionally, this prohibition plays a significant role in maintaining and promoting the Islamic ethics of cleanliness, which is essential in daily life.
