Contents
In Islam, pork is considered haram, and the Quran does not provide a specific reason for this prohibition, except for the reference in verse 145 of Surah Al-An’am.
And the question of why pork is haram? emerges with significant confusion about pork, as it is the most consumed meat in the world by a large number of people. Especially since pork is forbidden in Judaism and Islam, yet the population that eats pork or is not strict about avoiding it is over 75%, while those who strictly avoid it are below 25%. To clearly understand this variation, we must delve into its history, find the reason, and rationally explore the secret behind it without bias, rather than asking for reasons from those who celebrate pork or avoid it.
This has led to a demand for understanding the actual reasons behind the prohibition. Below, we will explore this in detail with historical facts, references from the Quran, scientific explanations, and the misconceptions within the Muslim community about pork being harmful. We will also look at the actual situation of red meat and how its impact is similar across various types of red meat, including pork.
The Origins of Pork as Haram
The prohibition of pork as “Haram” has deep historical origins which were influenced by practices from ancient times. The idea of avoiding pork is not just a religious perspective but rather a continuous tradition rooted in cultural & social practices. In ancient civilizations like Egypt and Babylon, the group of elites decided to differentiate themselves from the poor people. One method they used was food preference, especially avoiding eating pork, then pork became a symbol of lower social status. It was considered the food of slaves and laborers. So, intentionally the wealthiest group avoided it as a means of showing dominance.
For example, archaeological evidence from the workers’ town near the Pyramid of Giza reveals the presence of pig bones. This indicates that pigs were part of the diet for the laborers who built the pyramids. (Ref, Ref2, Ref3)
This approach was later adopted by the Jewish people also as a way to isolate themselves from others, supporting their sense of identity and superiority. As the Abrahamic religions developed, this practice of avoiding pork was carried over. Both Christianity and Islam inherited this practice, and in their respective holy books the Bible and the Quran, Pork is forbidden. However, the original reason behind this avoidance was not purely religious but a cultural habit rooted in social discrimination.
Over time, many followers of these religions were unknowing of the true and historical origins of this prohibition. They began to follow it as a belief or a religious law, without understanding its social roots. When Christianity spread throughout Europe, Christian followers encountered the reality that pork was an essential and beloved part of the diet for many people. Despite its prohibition in the religious texts, Europeans could not easily abandon pork Instead, they welcomed it, enjoying it as a staple food and combining it into their culinary traditions.
The Birth of Islam and the Influence of Judaism
About 500 to 600 years after the birth of Christianity, the faith of Islam came into existence. It was established through the teachings of Prophet Mohammed, and the concept of Islam was formed by drawing from its parent religion, Judaism. From the holy book of Judaism, the Torah, many excerpts were taken and incorporated into what became the Quran.
This process wasn’t unique to the Quran alone. The Bible also followed a similar pattern. Many passages from the Torah were also included in the Bible. In the Bible, these are identified as the Old Testament. After the birth of Lord Jesus, everything he preached and taught was compiled separately, forming the New Testament.
The Prohibition of Pork in Religious Practices
Just as the customs found in the Torah were integrated into the Quran and the Bible, these religious books share many similar traditions and teachings. However, while Christians over time did not attach strictly to the avoidance of pork, Muslims have followed this rule with great sincerity.
Unfortunately, many Muslims have adopted this prohibition without fully understanding its historical background. They have accepted it as a religious practice and, follow it as a part of their belief & culture, without questioning the origin of this practice. Over time, this practice has become a deeply ingrained belief, connected to their religious and cultural identity. Presently, the avoidance of pork and pork-related products is strictly followed in Islamic countries.
For instance: In 2014, the Indonesian government found traces of pork DNA in a chocolate product and tightened the halal certification standards for many products. (Ref)
For your understanding, L-Cysteine, an ingredient often used in making chocolate, is a non-essential amino acid. It is usually extracted from animal hair or bird feathers and used in small amounts as a reducing agent in certain food products.
An Overview of Pork Meat Bans in Islamic Countries & Year of Enforcement and Associated Penalties
| Country | Year of Prohibition | Penalties for Violations | Enforcement Measures |
| Saudi Arabia | 1932 | Fines, imprisonment, and deportation (for non-citizens) for importing or consuming pork. | Strict border inspections; regular monitoring of imported goods to prevent smuggling. |
| Iran | 1979 | Fines, imprisonment, and in severe cases, corporal punishment. | Vigilant enforcement through customs checks; public awareness campaigns. |
| Kuwait | 1961 | Imprisonment ranging from three months to three years for importing or selling pork. | Routine inspections and legal action against offenders caught smuggling or selling pork products. |
| Malaysia | 1983 (Sharia regions) | Fines and imprisonment under Sharia law in states like Kelantan and Terengganu. | Regional Sharia enforcement; active monitoring in halal-certified zones. |
| Indonesia | Regional – Varies | Fines, imprisonment, or caning in Sharia-governed regions like Aceh for consuming pork. | Local religious police enforce the law, especially in areas with strict Sharia adherence. |
The Prohibition of Pork in the Holy Quran
The prohibition of pork is mentioned in the Quran in five distinct places. The Quran explicitly says that pork should not be eaten, along with other prohibitions such as consuming meat from animals that have died by themselves, blood, or meat that has not been slaughtered in the name of Allah. But, nowhere does the Quran provide specific reasons “why pork should be avoided?”. But it does make it clear that these foods are considered impure.
However, the Quran also accepts that, in unavoidable circumstances, consuming such foods as pork is not considered a great sin. Allah, being compassionate and forgiving, understands the condition in certain situations and is willing to forgive those who may have to eat these foods in times of extreme situations.
Interestingly, while the Quran mentions the prohibition of pork, it does not provide a scientific explanation for this rule. The focus is more on the cultural and religious customs that were dominant at the time the Quran was written. Those who try to justify the prohibition with modern scientific reasoning constantly ignore the truth that these explanations have only. It came into existence recently, long after the Quran and Bible were written. At that time, the ban was based on cultural practices rather than scientific findings.
Scientific Studies on Eating Pork
The question of whether eating pork is harmful has been studied scientifically, and while there are certain health risks, they are rare. One major problem raised in research is the risk of contracting a parasite called Taenia solium, commonly known as the pork tapeworm.
This parasite can affect humans and is transmitted through pigs. When pigs eat the feces of an infected human, they can carry the tapeworm. If people consume meat from such pigs without proper cooking, they risk getting infected with the tapeworm. The parasite can grow in the insides and normally, it can grow to more than 6 feet long.
Life cycle of Taenia solium
Although the risk of infection exists, it is rare. Proper meat handling and thorough cooking can easily prevent most cases of pork tapeworm infection. Despite this risk, the vast majority of pork consumers eat it without facing any major health issues. So, while the risks are real, they are not common.
For instance, a Thai man was using the bathroom when he felt something coming out of his bottom. He started pulling it out and discovered it was a tapeworm, probably about 10 meters long (32.8 ft). (Ref)
Health Risks of Pork and Other Meats
If a person becomes infected with the pork tapeworm, it does not typically result in death. The initial symptoms of an infection usually include loose bowel movements. However, if the tapeworm lays eggs in the body, the situation can become more serious. If the eggs spread to different parts of the body, the effects can be significant, especially if they reach the brain. When this happens, it can lead to nervous system issues such as hypertension, fatigue, difficulty maintaining balance, and even amnesia. Although this is a rare occurrence, it demonstrates the potential seriousness of the infection.
It’s important to note that this condition does not occur instantly after eating pork. In fact, the disease is treatable if caught early. If symptoms like diarrhea appear, timely medicine can kill the tapeworm before it causes any damage.
The pork tapeworm is not only transmitted through pork. If an infected person does not maintain proper hygiene, the parasite can spread through contaminated items like water or food. So, it’s not just pork poor hygiene can also cause the transmission of the parasite.
So, it is clear that eating properly cooked pork poses no risk of infection, and consuming undercooked or raw pork can result in the transmission of the tapeworm. Also, remember overcooking pork, which has been suggested as a potential cause of cancer, is still a topic of research, with no conclusive evidence to prove the link.
The risks of tapeworms are not limited to pork. All types of red meat, especially beef and goat meat, can carry the same parasites if not cooked properly. Beef and pork tapeworms are closely related, and undercooked beef can cause similar infections. To avoid these risks, it is important to make sure that all meats, including pork, beef, and goat, are thoroughly cooked before eating.
| Livestock | Average Tapeworm Infection Percentage | Remarks |
| Cattle | 10-20% | Higher risk in regions with poor sanitation and improper meat inspection. |
| Goats | 5-15% | Lower prevalence due to small-scale farming practices. |
| Sheep | 8-18% | Moderate infection rates, especially in areas with grazing near water. |
| Pigs | 25-35% | Highest risk due to their scavenging habits and exposure to human waste. |
Is it Right to Justify the Prohibition of Pork with Scientific Reasons and Impose Wide Rules on Individuals?
The Argument Between ‘Pork is Haram for Scientific Reasons’ and Its Opponents – A Sensitive Issue that Frequently Becomes a Debatable Topic on Social Media, Impacting Individual Independence.
So, it becomes a debatable issue.
For instance:
When religious practices, such as the prohibition of pork, are reviewed, they are usually viewed as one of the best practices. There is a scientific rationale behind such rules, and when these theories are shared, they often spark discussions and debates. However, food habits are personal choices, affected by various factors such as family traditions, cultural practices, or even the caste one follows.
The key question lies in the politics behind food choices. Understanding the historical background of these practices is important, as it provides clarity on “why certain foods are prohibited?”. The decision of whether to eat pork or not should be made by each individual, based on their personal beliefs & understanding.
It is incorrect to assess one’s food habits on others, whether by saying, “One should only eat this” or “You should not eat this.” Likewise, claiming superiority because of one’s food choices whether it’s abstaining from certain foods or consuming them also fails to respect individual rights and beliefs.
If we were to base our food options completely on scientific findings, it could lead to the conclusion that we should avoid eating any meat at all. In fact, we might even have to avoid vegetables and water, given the levels of contamination present in the world. The reality is that we live in an environment where, if we followed strict scientific guidelines, very few foods would be safe to consume.
If we consider the idea that “eating pork could lead to life-threatening consequences”, then according to this reasoning, it would be a risky food. However, this argument is defective, as it overlooks the fact that the majority of people who eat pork do so without experiencing any harmful effects. If we took this viewpoint seriously, much of the population would not survive. As we discussed earlier, pork is one of the most naturally consumed meats worldwide, and the risks associated with it are tiniest when compared with other diseases.
Every religion promotes certain practices, and these practices are often tied to personal preferences. As long as these practices do not harm others, individuals have the right to follow their own beliefs. The decision to follow or not follow a particular habit is a personal one. However, when religious practices are justified by scientific reasoning, it can be ineffective, as it is demanding to prove these practices through science, and doing so may only lead to confusion.
History, when examined closely, is usually not as sweet or satisfying as we may want it to be. It is important to realize that history is not a fairytale it is filled with challenges and undesirable truths. While the stories we hear may seem attractive, the true lessons of history can be hard to accept, and we must approach them with honesty and clarity.
Here you can find A-Z Unavoidable Truths About Pigs You Should Know: 22 Interesting Facts About Pigs