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WHY PORK IS NOT ALLOWED IN ISLAM?

RESPONSE

Islam is a complete way of life, taking into account physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being, each a separate but overlapping part of the structure of a human being. God created us with a purpose, to worship Him, Quran Surah 51:56 but He did not abandon us to a world of instability and insecurity. He gave us a book of guidance, the Quran, and the example of Prophets and Messengers to explain that trusting in God was the way for us to achieve success in this life and in the hereafter. A Muslim spends his or her life endeavouring to please God by worshipping Him and obeying His laws, or rules. One of those rules is that the eating pork, or pork products is forbidden.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Qur’an
Hadith
Scholars view
Primary reason for Muslims abstaining from eating pork
Expert of the field on Pork
Scientific Evidences that Pig meat (PORK) is prohibited for human health
DISEASES CAUSED BY PORK IN DETAIL
Latest viruses in Swine
Prohibition of pork in other Religions
- Judaism
- Christianity
Conclusion
References

Introduction

At first, one might wonder what harm could come from pork, a product eaten in many parts of the world, and the fact that pork contains parasites and diseases harmful to man may spring to mind as a justifiable reason for abstaining. However, when analysing why Muslims are forbidden to eat pork, this becomes a secondary reason. Muslims simply do not eat pork or pork products because Allah(the God) has prohibited it.

Qur’an

“He has forbidden you only dead animals, and blood, and the swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for other than God.” Quran Suarh Baqrah 2:173, Surah Maidah 5:3, surah Nahl 16:115 Sometimes we may never know or understand why God has ordained some things and prohibited others. In the case of pork, no specific reason for the prohibition is given except in Quran 6: 145 when Allah says, in reference to the flesh of swine (pig), “for indeed it is impure”.

A Muslim submits to God’s commands willingly, without needing to know the reason behind the divine rule. Moreover, God has expressly stated that a believer hears the words of his Lord and obeys them. “‘We hear and we obey.’ And such are the successful (who will live forever in Paradise).” Quran Suarh Nur 24:51 “When God and His Messenger have decreed a matter, they (the believers) should not have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys God and His Messenger; he has indeed strayed into a plain error.” Quran Surah Ahzab 33:36 A believer understands that God is the Most Wise and the Most Just; therefore, His rules are designed to benefit us in our daily needs, be they physical, emotional, or spiritual. The Creator knows the best way for His creation to live in this world and prepare for the next. It is not permissible for a Muslim to consume pork under any circumstances except in cases of dire necessity, such as, if a person’s life depends on eating it. In cases of dire necessity, prohibited things are permitted.

God allows us to enjoy all the good lawful things and forbids us to partake of those things that may be harmful to our beliefs, health, well being, or morals. Tabarani (classified as authentic by Sheikh al Albanee)

Hadith

On the authority of Abu Hurairah(R) that the Messenger or Allah (ﷺ) said: I swear by Allah that the son of Mary will certainly descend as a just judge and he would definitely break the cross, and kill swine and abolish Jizya and would leave the young she-camel and no one would endeavour to (collect Zakat on it). Spite, mutual hatred and jealousy against one another will certainly disappear and when he summons people to accept wealth, not even one would do so. Sahih Muslim 155

Abu Tha’labah al-khushani said that he asked the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ): 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(ﷺ) 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). Classed as sahih by sheikh Albani in Sunan Abi Dawud 3839

Scholars view

Consequently, Muslims are acutely aware of the dangers of eating things that are forbidden and therefore make concerted efforts to seek out permissible food, even if it involves extra effort or expense. If a believer consumes pork unknowingly or by mistake, there is no sin of him or her. God does not punish anyone for lack of knowledge, nor for unintentional mistakes or forgetfulness. However if a believer is certain, or thinks that any pork, or pork products may be in his food, drinks or medicines then it is not permissible for him or her to consume it. If he has doubts then he must make an effort to inquire about the ingredients or ask for details. Scholars of the Standing Committee for issuing Fatwas (Islamic rulings) Saudi Arabia

Nowadays knowledge about ingredients and the manufacturing process is readily available and the prohibition applies whether there is a small amount of pork or pork products, or a large amount. The recent outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and North America led some countries to slaughter pigs en masse however there is ample scientific evidence to suggest that pigs harbour parasites that are harmful to humans and the pig has long been considered the ideal breeding ground for influenza.

Primary reason for Muslims abstaining from eating pork

Primary reason for Muslims abstaining from eating pork and pork products, and that is, that God has forbidden it. As the Creator of humankind and all that exists, God knows what is good for us, and He has sent guidance enabling us to make wise decisions. Just as a computer would not work properly if it were incorrectly programmed, a human being is not able to function if he is not nourished correctly. Islam is a holistic religion that recognizes the interconnectedness of spiritual, emotional, and physical health. What a person eats and drinks has a direct bearing on their overall health and well-being.

Expert of the field on Pork

Virologists(The expert in the field of viruses and viral diseases.) have long been aware that the pig is an ideal breeding ground for influenza, so it is no surprise that the latest threat, swine flu, originated in pigs. Microbiologist and immunology expert, Dr Graham Burgess [James Cook University, Queensland Australia. [a] Hesays, “Viruses that would normally grow in the chicken can potentially grow in the pig and ones that grow in humans will potentially grow in pigs. So we consider the pig a great mixing pot for viruses and this is where it can play a real role in generating new viruses".

The pig is known to harbour parasites as well as bacteria and viruses. Cysticercosis is an infection caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. Infection occurs when the tapeworm larvae enter the body and form cysticerci (cysts). When cysticerci are found in the brain, the condition is called neurocysticercosis. This tapeworm in pigs is found worldwide but is most problematic in poor and developing countries were pigs are allowed to roam freely and often eat human faeces. This infection can occur even in modern developed countries but the CDC(U.S. centers for disease control and prevention) reports that it is very rare in Muslim countries where eating pork is forbidden. 4 Trichinellosis, also called trichinosis, is caused by eating raw or undercooked meat of animals infected with the larvae of a species of worm called Trichinella. Infection occurs most commonly in certain wild carnivorous (meat-eating) animals but it may also occur in domestic pigs. The CDC warns that if a human eats meat containing infective Trichinella cysts, the acid in the stomach dissolves the hard covering of the cyst and releases the worms. ^[10]

The worms pass into the small intestine and, in 1-2 days, become mature. After mating, adult females lay eggs. These eggs develop into immature worms, travel through the arteries, and are transported to muscles. Within the muscles, the worms curl into a ball and encyst (become enclosed in a capsule). This infection occurs when these encysted worms are consumed in meat. The number of cases of trichinellosis throughout the world has steadily decreased due to an awareness of the dangers of eating raw and undercooked pork products and legislation prohibiting feeding raw meat garbage to pigs. ^[11]

Pigs are omnivores, which means they consume both plants and animals. Pigs will scavenge and eat any type of food, including dead insects, worms, tree bark, rotting carcasses, garbage, and even other pigs. Pigs have very few sweat glands so therefore they are unable to completely rid their bodies of toxins. New evidence indicates that farming practices are leading directly to the spread of human bacterial infections. Pigs often live in the small spaces and fetid conditions that exist in many modern factory farms and studies are revealing that pigs frequently harbour antibiotic resistant staph bacteria. This drug resistant bacterium is now entering our food supply and recent investigations in the United States of America indicate that 49% of pigs and 45% of pig workers now harbour these bacteria responsible for killing more than 18,000 people in the US every year. In 2007 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that in 2005 94,360 Americans contracted invasive infections and 18,650 of them died; 85 percent of the deaths, it said, were caused by the health care strain.^[1][2]

Scientific Evidences that Pig meat (PORK) is prohibited for human health

Among all animal meats pork is the filthiest diet to consume by human beings. Pig is the cradle of harmful germs. Scientific evidences prove that pig meat is least healthy having different harmful agents like Cholesterol and Fatty Acids, Bacteria and Toxins and a number of parasites. The pig meat is high in fat and cholesterol that causes the cardiovascular diseases, obesity, the incidence of large intestine cancer. Bacteria and Toxins associated with pigs spread many diseases like salmonellosis, which leads to the acute gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Many other diseases like, Tuberculosis, Yersiniosis, Listeriosis, Leptospirosis, Brucellosis, Small Pox, Influenza, Anthrax, Balantidial dysentery, Foot rot, Cholera and Erysipeloid are attributed to pork consumption. Parasitic Diseases Ascaris, Ancylostomiasis, Toxoplasmosis, Trichinellosis, Cysticercosis showing signs of mental disorders, pneumonia, bleeding of the lungs (haemoptysis), which may lead to death or madness. The patient may become blind and deaf. Nitrates used in pork and pork products as additives are converted into nitrosamines which cause hepatic cell tumors. Flesh of the pork is hard to digest and may lead to chronic digestive disturbances. Pimples, boils, cysts are common in pork eaters. The pig excretory system secretes 2 percent of its uric acid that is injurious for the human health. Pork consumption seriously affects human health and adversely injurious one’s moral values. A person gets pig like characteristics by eating pork, Indecency, obscenity and vanished honour of women. Scientific Papers, Animal Science, Series D, vol. LV ^{[3] [4]}

DISEASES CAUSED BY PORK IN DETAIL

The following lists show germs or parasites that are found in pork and some diseases caused by them. Many of these diseases are contagious while some are proven fatal. This proves that the ISLAM is more advance then science, this shows Islam as the correct religion from the God.

PARASITIC (Bloodsucking) DISEASES

a) TRICHINELLA SPIRATIS ( Trichina worms )

It is the most dangerous parasite to man (Rheumatism and muscular pain). The infected persons shown no symptoms recover very slowly some die, some reduced to permanent invalids. No one is immune from this disease and there is no cure.

b) TAENIA SOLIUM (Pork tape worm)

The worm causes malnourishment of the person leading to anemia, diarrhea, extreme depression melancholia and digestive disturbances. Cysticercosis means that larva enter the blood stream then settle down in one or more of the vital organs of the body, for example: brain, liver, lungs or spinal cord. They grow and encapsulate, inducing pressure to the system around, resulting in dangerous diseases (diarrhea, digestive disorder, anemia, chronic invalidation).

c) ROUND WORMS

Examples: Ascaris, which may lead to digestive disturbances, appendicitis, obstructive jaundice.

d) HOOK WORMS

Examples: Ancylostomiasis, which may lead to anemia, oedema, heart failure or retarded growth (mental and physical), tuberculosis, diarrhea and typhoid.

e) SCHITOSOMA JAPONICUM

Bleeding, anemia and other syndromes; if ova are settled in the brain or spinal cord, paralysis and death may occur.

f) PARAGOMINES WESTERMAINI

Infestation leading to bleeding of the lungs (endenve haemoptysis )

g) PACIOLEPSIS BUSKI

Digestive disturbances leading to persistent diarrhea; generalized oedema

h) CLONORCHIS SINENSIS

Chlonorchiasis-obstructive jaundice, liver enlargement

i) METASTRONGYLUS APRI

Causes bronchitis, abscess of the lungs

j) GIGANTHORINCHUS GIGAS

Cause anemia and digestive disorders.

k) BALATITIDIUM COLI

Causes acute dysentery and general weakness

BACTERIAL DISEASES

Tuberculosis Fusiformis necrofurus: causing foot-rot which is very difficult to heal.
Salmonella Cholera suis: causing cholera Paratyphoid Bruceellosis: Acute, sub acute and chronic. It may lead to permanent disabilities. Swine Erysipelas: causing Erysipelas in man.

VIRAL DISEASES

Small pox: is a source of infection to man. Japanese B-encepphalitis: It is the source of infection Influenza, foot mouth disease, gas tro-enteritis of the new born babies.

PROTOZOAN DISEASES

Toxo plasma goundii- It is a very dangerous diseases. A new born baby of an infected woman may die within few days or weeks after delivery. But if he survives he may develop blindness or deafness.In adult chronic exhaustive fever with enlarged liver and spleen may occur. Pneumonia, or celebro- spinal meninggitis which may lead to death or madness. The patient may become blind and deaf too.

OTHER DISEASES

Flesh of the pork is hard to digest and may lead to chronic digestive disturbances. Pimples, boils, cysts are common in pork eaters. These are some of the parasites and diseases found in pork and/ or the skin of pigs and certainly there are many more. There is still no means of killing these parasites, in the tissues, neither has anyone found a method of expelling them, even produced any specific treatment for the diseases

Latest viruses in Swine

PRRS -- A horrendous disease, which was first reported on in 2001, but which had been a nightmare for many nations since the mid-1980s, is still alive and kicking today. At one point referred to as "swine mystery disease," "blue abortion," and "swine infertility," the disease was finally named "Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome" (PRRS), and may afflict about 75 percent of American pig herds.

The Nipah Virus – Discovered in 1999, the Nipah virus has caused disease in both animals and humans, through contact with infected animals. In humans, the virus can lead to deadly encephalitis (an acute inflammation of your brain). It was originally reported on this virus in 2000, but according to CDC data, the Nipah virus reemerged again in 2004

Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus (PERV) – According to a study in the journal Lancet, this virus can spread to people receiving pig organ transplants, and according to test tube studies, PERV strains do have theability to infect human cells. PERV genes are scattered throughout pigs' genetic material, and researchers have found that pig heart, spleen and kidney cells release various strains of the virus.

Menangle Virus – In 1998, it was reported that a new virus infecting pigs was able to jump to humans. The menangle virus was discovered in August 1997 when sows at an Australian piggery began giving birth to deformed and mummified piglets. ^[5]

Prohibition of pork in other Religions

Judaism

And the pig, for though it divides the hoof, thus making a split hoof, it does not chew cud, it is unclean to you. ‘You shall not eat of their flesh nor touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you. Bible book of Leviticus 11:7,8

And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you. Ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcass. Bible, Book of Deuteronomy chapter 14 verse 8 A similar prohibition is repeated in the book of Isaiah chapter 65 verse 2-5. ^{[6] [7]}

Christianity

Conclusion

“He has forbidden you only dead animals, and blood, and the flesh of swine...” Quran surah Baqrah 2:173 “For that surely is impure” Quran Surah Anam 6:145 Muslims refrain from eating pork and pork products because Allah has forbidden it. However a little investigation into the anatomy and lifestyle of the pig reveals that it is certainly an unclean animal. Those interested in consuming healthy, natural, and pure foods would do well to abstain from pork and pork products.

The "bottom-line" reason for the prohibition of pork consumption is simply that Allah (Glory be to Him) has prohibited it. No specific sanitary or other reason is specified in the Qur’an or Sunnah. We do believe that Allah (Glory be to Him) is al-Hakeem, the Wise, whose orders and prohibitions are not meaningless, but rather contain rationale and wisdom. ^[8]