The prohibition of pork in Islam is one of the most well-known Islamic dietary laws. Muslims abstain from eating pork because it is clearly forbidden in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, as a direct command from Allah (God). For practical examples, see our what is halal guides. Explore halal food by country for more information. Explore Muslim-friendly destinations for more information.
Quick Answer
Why don’t Muslims eat pork?
- Quranic command: Explicitly forbidden in multiple verses
- Classification: Haram (absolutely forbidden)
- Scope: All pork products, derivatives, and by-products
- Religious obligation: Muslims follow this as divine law
- No exceptions: Except in life-threatening situations
What the Quran Says
Direct Prohibitions
The Quran explicitly forbids pork in four separate verses:
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:173)
“He has only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name has been invoked besides that of Allah.”
Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3)
“Forbidden to you are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine…”
Surah Al-An’am (6:145)
“Say: I do not find in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden for one who wishes to eat it, unless it be dead meat, or blood poured forth, or the flesh of swine—for that surely is impure…”
Surah An-Nahl (16:115)
“He has only forbidden you dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and any food over which the name of other than Allah has been invoked.”
Key Points from Quran
- Pork is mentioned alongside other forbidden items
- Called “impure” (rijs) in Arabic
- Prohibition is clear and unambiguous
- No exceptions for normal circumstances
Religious Reasons
Divine Command
The primary reason is simple: Allah has forbidden it. Muslims believe:
- The Quran is the word of God
- God’s commands must be followed
- Divine wisdom may or may not be understood
- Obedience itself is an act of worship
Submission to God
- “Muslim” means “one who submits to God”
- Following dietary laws is part of submission
- Trust in God’s wisdom even without full explanation
- Demonstrates faith and obedience
Part of Halal System
The prohibition fits within the broader halal framework:
- Some foods are halal (permitted)
- Some foods are haram (forbidden)
- Pork is clearly in the haram category
- System promotes mindful eating
What Counts as Pork?
All Forms Prohibited
- Pork meat: All cuts (chops, ribs, tenderloin)
- Bacon: Cured pork belly
- Ham: Cured pork leg
- Sausages: If containing pork
- Hot dogs: Many contain pork
Pork By-Products
- Lard: Rendered pork fat
- Gelatin: Often from pig skin/bones
- Collagen: May be pork-derived
- Pork enzymes: In some cheeses
Hidden Pork Ingredients
| Ingredient | Possible Pork Source |
|---|---|
| Gelatin | Pig skin, bones |
| Glycerin | May be from pork fat |
| Emulsifiers | Some from pork |
| Natural flavors | May include pork |
| Collagen | Often from pig |
| Rennet | Some from pig |
Health Perspectives
Not the Primary Reason
While some cite health reasons, Muslims abstain because:
- God commanded it (primary reason)
- Health benefits are secondary
- Would follow even without health reasons
- Faith-based, not science-based prohibition
Health Considerations Mentioned by Scholars
Some scholars note potential health concerns:
- Pigs consume various foods including waste
- Historical disease associations
- Parasites in undercooked pork
- These are observations, not the core reason
Important Clarification
- Modern pork can be safely prepared
- Health reasons alone don’t justify prohibition
- The command is religious, not medical
- Muslims would abstain even if pork were “healthy”
Common Questions
Why Pork Specifically?
- Only God knows the complete wisdom
- Muslims accept the command on faith
- Pork is specifically named in Quran
- Other religions also prohibit pork (Judaism)
Can Muslims Touch Pork?
Different scholarly opinions:
- Touching doesn’t break prohibition
- Should wash hands afterward
- Handling for non-Muslims (at work) is debated
- Consuming is the clear prohibition
What If a Muslim Accidentally Eats Pork?
- No sin for genuine accidents
- Sincere mistakes are forgiven
- Stop eating once realized
- Seek forgiveness from Allah
- Be more careful in future
Can Muslims Eat Pork to Be Polite?
- No, politeness doesn’t override religious law
- Explain dietary restrictions kindly
- Most people understand religious requirements
- Choose alternatives from the meal
Exception: Necessity
When Pork Becomes Permissible
The Quran provides an exception:
“But if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (2:173)
Conditions for Exception
- Life-threatening situation (starvation)
- No other food available at all
- Eat only enough to survive
- Not seeking forbidden food willingly
- Returns to halal when possible
This Doesn’t Mean
- You can eat pork when inconvenient
- Traveling excuses the prohibition
- Being in a non-Muslim country allows it
- Wanting to try it is justified
Historical Context
Pre-Islamic Arabia
- Some Arabs ate pork before Islam
- Islam brought clear prohibition
- Became a distinguishing practice
- Shared with Jewish dietary law
Other Religions
- Judaism: Also forbids pork (Leviticus 11:7)
- Christianity: No general prohibition (Acts 10)
- Hinduism: Varies by region/practice
- Buddhism: Varies by tradition
Practical Implications
Checking Food Labels
Look for these indicators:
- “Pork” or “pork derivatives”
- “Lard” or “animal fat”
- “Gelatin” (if not specified halal)
- “E471” and some E-numbers
- “Natural flavors” (may need research)
Restaurant Dining
- Ask about pork in dishes
- Request no bacon/ham
- Verify cooking oils (not lard)
- Choose clearly pork-free options
- Halal restaurants safest
Social Situations
- Politely decline pork dishes
- Explain you don’t eat pork
- Offer to bring your own food
- Most hosts appreciate knowing
Teaching Children
Simple Explanation
- “Allah told us not to eat this”
- “It’s part of being Muslim”
- “We eat the food Allah said is good for us”
- Lead by example
As They Grow
- Teach Quranic verses
- Explain halal and haram concept
- Discuss obedience to Allah
- Answer questions openly
Summary
Why Muslims don’t eat pork:
- Primary reason: Allah forbids it in the Quran
- Clear command: Mentioned in four Quranic verses
- All forms: Meat, fat, gelatin, and derivatives
- Religious duty: Act of obedience and worship
- Exception: Only in genuine life-threatening necessity
The prohibition of pork is a fundamental Islamic dietary law that Muslims follow as an expression of faith and submission to God’s commands. It’s not primarily about health—it’s about obedience to divine instruction.