Why do Muslims abstain from Eating Pork?

Muslims abstain from eating pork due to religious prohibitions outlined in the Quran.
Let’s look into the reasons behind this dietary restriction:

Divine Prohibition:
The Quran explicitly states: “{He has forbidden you only dead animals, and blood, and the swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for other than God.}” (Quran 2:173) This verse specifically mentions the prohibition of consuming pork.
Muslims adhere to this command willingly, recognizing that God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding. They trust that His rules are designed for their benefit, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

Health Considerations:
While the Quran does not provide an explicit reason for the prohibition, it does describe the flesh of swine as “impure” (Quran 6:145).
However, practical reasons also support this prohibition:

Trichinosis: Pork can carry parasites like Trichinella spiralis, which cause trichinosis.

Food Poisoning: Pork consumption can lead to food poisoning due to improper handling or cooking.

Hepatitis E: Pork is associated with transmitting hepatitis E.

Antibiotic Resistance: Pigs are often treated with antibiotics, leading to antibiotic-resistant strains.

High Fat and Cholesterol: Pork is high in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Cancer Risk: Some studies suggest a link between pork consumption and certain cancers.

Processing Concerns: Pork processing methods may pose health risks.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Some individuals with inflammatory bowel conditions avoid pork.

Swine Flu: Pigs can transmit swine flu viruses.

Tapeworms: Pork may harbor tapeworms.

Hygiene and Purity:
Islam emphasizes cleanliness of both body and soul.
Abstaining from pork is part of maintaining physical hygiene and spiritual purity.

Muslims believe that practicing cleanliness through rituals like Salat (prayers) and Zikr (remembrance of Allah) contributes to inner well-being.

All in all , Muslims avoid pork out of obedience to God’s command and for health and purity reasons. It is not permissible for a Muslim to consume pork except in cases of dire necessity, such as when life depends on it.