Why is pork forbidden?

Question

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim · Accepted Answer

Ibn al-Qayyim explained that Allah forbade pork by explicit text in four places (al-Baqarah 2:173; al-Ma'idah 5:3; al-An'am 6:145; al-Nahl 16:115) describing it as rijs — filth. The wisdom includes the foul nature of the pig, its diet of refuse, and the diseases it carries, but the principal reason is the divine prohibition itself, which a believer accepts whether or not he perceives the wisdom.

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen · Answer

The prohibition of consuming pork is a clear and non-negotiable ruling in Islam, established by definitive texts from the Qur'an. Allah, the Most High, has explicitly forbidden it, and for a believer, this divine command is the primary and sufficient reason for abstention.

The fundamental principle is one of submission to Allah's wisdom. A Muslim hears and obeys the commands of his Lord, whether or not he fully comprehends the underlying reasons. This obedience is the essence of worship and a central test of faith. The prohibition of pork is not based on scientific discoveries or cultural norms, but on the unchangeable word of Allah.

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen explains that the believer says, 'We hear and we obey.' We are certain that Allah does not forbid something for His servants unless it is harmful to their spiritual and worldly affairs, and He does not command them with something unless it is beneficial for them in their spiritual and worldly affairs.

While the divine command is reason enough, scholars have pointed to the wisdom behind this prohibition. The pig is known to be a filthy animal that consumes impurities (najasah), and its nature is considered base. Consuming such an animal is not befitting for a Muslim, whom Allah has honored and commanded to consume only that which is *tayyib* (pure, good, and wholesome).

Modern science has also confirmed that pork can carry numerous diseases and parasites harmful to humans. However, it must be stressed that these findings only affirm the wisdom of the divine command; they are not the reason for the prohibition. Even if a method were found to raise pigs in a sterile environment, their flesh would remain haram, as the prohibition is absolute and unconditional, based solely on the declaration of Allah.

Shaykh Ibn Baz · Answer

The prohibition of eating pork is a clear and explicit command from Allah in the Qur'an, and it is not permissible for a Muslim to consume it under any normal circumstances. The primary reason for this prohibition is submission to the will of Allah. When Allah forbids something, the believer abstains out of obedience, trusting in the infinite wisdom and knowledge of the Creator, whether the underlying reason is fully understood or not. This is a fundamental test of faith.

Allah has explicitly mentioned the prohibition in several verses. He refers to the pig as 'rijs' (an abomination, filth, or impurity). The believer is required to avoid that which Allah has described as impure. While modern science may uncover health-related reasons for this prohibition, such as the presence of harmful parasites and diseases in pork, these are considered secondary wisdoms. The foundational reason remains that it is a divine decree.

Shaykh Ibn Baz emphasizes that the Muslim's duty is to say, 'We hear and we obey.' Allah is the All-Wise and All-Knowing, and He only forbids that which is harmful and permits that which is good and pure (tayyib). Therefore, abstaining from pork is an act of worship and a sign of a Muslim's commitment to following the guidance of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. The consensus (ijma') of Muslim scholars throughout history is firm on this prohibition, and there is no differing opinion on the matter.

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Why is pork forbidden?

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