And the interesting thing is that it is the majority of followers of Bible who object to this stringent law of Islam and are amazed as to why such a palatable flesh of pigs and swine is prohibited in Islam. Such objections normally arise when one is not even aware of the Book of Faith being followed by them. Or perhaps it is because of the selective reading of the book that follow that results into such objections and amazement.
One of the objection raised is that if God has created an animal, how could He be so "cruel" to deprive the man of eating of its flesh, which is so palatable and tasty. One thing everyone fails to understand is that when the Lord of the Worlds commands His servants to abstain from something, one does not have to reason why, there shouldn't be any hesitation on the part of the servants to object to it, but obey it absolutely. And to surprise of many followers of Bible, it may be mentioned here that the prohibition of pork is one of the clearest shared laws between the Qur’an and the Bible..
Let us compare the prohibition law of eating pork as mentioned in the Qur'an and Bible:
Law prohibiting eating pork in the Qur'an
Pork is explicitly and repeatedly forbidden in four places:
- Surah al-Baqarah (2:173): “He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah.”
- Surah al-Mā’idah (5:3): “Forbidden to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah…”
- Surah al-Anʿām (6:145): “Say, I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal, or blood poured forth, or the flesh of swine – for indeed, it is impure…”
- Surah al-Naḥl (16:115): “He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah…”
Qur’anic Rationale: Islam views food laws as acts of obedience, not mere health codes: obeying Allah even when we don’t know the full reason is part of Taqwā (God-consciousness). The Qur’an calls pork “rijs” (impure, filthy) — 6:145, which means pork represents both physical impurity (harmful to health) and moral/spiritual impurity (obedience to Allah’s command).
Law prohibiting eating pork in Bible
The followers of Bible shouldn't be surpised the similarity of Divine Commandments about prohibition of pork both in the Qur'an and the Bible. Herein under are some references from Bible prohibiting pork:
- Leviticus 11:7–8 (Old Testament / Torah): “And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.”
- Deuteronomy 14:8: “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.”
These are clear Divine Commandments not to eat pork - then be amazed if Muslims also adheres to similar commandments in the Qur'an?
Jewish Understanding: Even Jews do not eat pork for observant Jews still follow this prohibition under kashrut (dietary law). It’s seen as a test of obedience and purity — not only health-related but spiritual.
Thus, Islam reaffirms this earlier divine command, continuing the same message given to the prophets before Muhammad ﷺ. It shows the continuity of divine law: Islam did not invent the prohibition but restored it.
Wisdoms (Hikmah) Behind the Prohibition
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah has made lawful what is good and pure and forbidden what is impure.” (Muslim 1015) - While the primary reason is obedience to Allah, scholars and modern research note possible wisdoms:
- Health: Pork carries parasites (trichinosis, tapeworms) and diseases.
- Hygiene: Pigs are scavengers that eat filth and dead matter.
- Moral discipline: Avoiding what Allah forbids trains the soul in self-control and obedience.
The key lesson: True purity lies in obeying Allah’s command, whether we fully grasp all the worldly reasons or not.
We now share an incredible explanation of the Divine Commandment by one of the most eminent scholars of present times, Dr Zakir A Naik who explained a 15 years old Christian boy the why of pork prohibition in Islam, giving him related reference and making him understand the reason why. Please watch the video:
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is our duty to convey only to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
Photo | Earlier Publication: Prohibition of Pork (in Islam)
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