Pork is a widely consumed meat in many parts of the world, but for Muslims, it is strictly forbidden. The Holy Quran explicitly declares it haram, meaning forbidden, and this has been a part of Islamic dietary laws for centuries.
But why is pork considered so impure in Islam? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the prohibition of pork in Islam, and we will do so in Urdu, one of the most widely spoken languages in the Muslim world.
From the toxic nature of pork to its unclean status in the Bible, we will delve into the various factors that make pork haram in Islam. So, let’s get started and discover why Muslims avoid this meat at all costs.
Why Pork Is Haram In Islam In Urdu?
There are several reasons why pork is considered haram in Islam. One of the main reasons is that it is explicitly forbidden in the Holy Quran. Muslims believe that the Quran is the word of Allah, and they follow its teachings and laws.
In addition to this, pork is also considered impure in Islam due to its toxic nature. According to research, the meat and fat of a pig can absorb toxins like a sponge, making it up to 30 times more toxic than beef or venison. This can lead to various health problems if consumed regularly.
Furthermore, pigs are scavengers and not meant for human consumption. They have a problematic digestive system and very few functional sweat glands, which means that they cannot get rid of toxins easily. This leaves more toxins in their bodies, making their meat even more dangerous for human consumption.
The Bible also warns against consuming pork, as it is considered an unclean animal. Leviticus 11:7-8 states, “And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.” This warning is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 14:8.
In Islam, there is an exception to the prohibition of pork. If a Muslim is starving and there is nothing else to eat but pork, then they are allowed to consume it. However, this exception is only made in extreme circumstances.
The Quranic Prohibition Of Pork
The Holy Quran explicitly forbids the consumption of pork in no less than four different verses. Suratul Baqara Verse 173, Suratul Al Maida Verse 3, Suratul Al Anman Verse 145, and Suratul An Nahl 16:115 all prohibit the consumption of pork. The main reason for this prohibition is that Allah has declared certain foods halal (permissible) and certain foods haram (forbidden). Pork falls under the category of haram foods.
In addition to this, the Quran also warns against the impurities of pork. The meat and fat of a pig can absorb toxins like a sponge, making it up to 30 times more toxic than beef or venison. This can lead to various health problems if consumed regularly. Furthermore, pigs are scavengers and have a problematic digestive system, making their meat even more dangerous for human consumption.
Muslims believe that the Quran is the word of Allah and follow its teachings strictly. Therefore, the prohibition of pork is taken very seriously in Islam. However, there is an exception made in extreme circumstances where a Muslim is starving and there is nothing else to eat but pork. Even in such cases, Muslims are expected to consume as little pork as possible and seek alternative sources of food as soon as possible.
The Toxicity Of Pork
Pork is known to be one of the most toxic meats, and this is due to its ability to absorb toxins like a sponge. The meat and fat of a pig can contain up to 30 times more toxins than other meats like beef or venison. These toxins can cause various health problems if consumed regularly, which is why pork is considered impure in Islam.
Pigs are scavengers and have a problematic digestive system, which means they cannot get rid of toxins easily. This leaves more toxins in their bodies, making their meat even more dangerous for human consumption. In addition to this, pigs have very few functional sweat glands, which means they cannot regulate their body temperature effectively. This makes them more prone to infections and diseases.
Furthermore, eating undercooked or raw pork can result in parasitic infections like trichinosis or cysticercosis. These infections can cause severe health problems and even be fatal in some cases. To avoid parasitic infection, pork must be cooked thoroughly at high temperatures.
The Unclean Status Of Pork In The Bible
The Bible also considers pork to be an unclean animal. Leviticus 11:7-8 states that the pig is unclean because it has a divided hoof but does not chew cud. This is in contrast to other animals like cows and sheep, which have both a divided hoof and chew cud. This distinction is important because it determines the cleanliness of the animal.
The prohibition against consuming pork in the Bible goes beyond just practical considerations, such as the pig’s scavenging habits or its inability to rid itself of toxins easily. Eating pork is also considered a violation of important cultural principles in Hebrew society. The book of Isaiah associates it with death, idolatry, and sin.
Some scholars have offered different explanations for the prohibition against eating pork in the Bible. Sir James Frazer wrote in “The Golden Bough” that pig meat was originally forbidden because it had been used for sacrifice and was considered sacred.
Regardless of the reason, the Bible warns against consuming pork and considers it an unclean animal. This warning is still followed by many Jews and Christians today.
Health Risks Associated With Pork Consumption
Consuming pork can lead to several health risks due to its toxic nature. The meat and fat of a pig can absorb toxins like a sponge, making it up to 30 times more toxic than beef or venison. This can lead to various health problems if consumed regularly.
One of the biggest health risks associated with pork consumption is an increased risk of cancer. According to the World Health Organization, processed meat like ham, bacon, and sausage causes cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer also classifies processed meat as a carcinogen, something that causes cancer.
Pigs also carry a variety of parasites in their bodies and meat, which can be difficult to kill even when cooking. This can lead to the risk of contracting parasitic diseases, which can cause severe illness and even death.
Additionally, pigs have a problematic digestive system and very few functional sweat glands. This means that they cannot get rid of toxins easily, leaving more toxins in their bodies. Consuming pork can lead to bacterial diseases and viruses that are harmful to the human body.
Alternatives To Pork In Islamic Cuisine
For Muslims who follow the halal dietary laws, finding alternatives to pork can be challenging but not impossible. There are several halal meat products that can replicate the taste and texture of pork. Some good replacements for bacon and ham include duck prosciutto, Turkish sucuk sausage, and smoked turkey breast. These alternatives are easily available in halal meat shops or online stores.
Substituting alcohol’s properties in cooking, like tenderizing, can be achieved with vinegar, fruit juice, lemon or lime juice, or yogurt. It is not necessary to use a halal version of a haram product just to imitate people who don’t know any better. Substitutes to improve flavor or texture in cooking are not hard to find.
Wines have been used in numerous recipes to help bring immense flavors out. An ideal substitute for wine is using high-quality and potent grape juice. Many like to alternate between grape juice and cranberry juice to alter the recipe, but it does a great job of replicating the infamous Italian Bolognese. A splash of white vinegar paired with your choice of juice will work excellently to replicate ANY dish that needs red or white wine. Just make sure to adjust the measurements according to your recipe.
