1. Quranic injunctions:
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:173) states, "He has forbidden you only dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been slaughtered in the name of other than Allah."
- Surah Al-An'am (6:145) also mentions the prohibition of consuming "the flesh of swine for indeed, it is impure."
2. Hygiene concerns:
- Pigs are often associated with being unclean animals in Islamic teachings due to their feeding habits and living conditions.
- Islam emphasizes cleanliness and purity in all aspects of life, including food consumption.
3. Traditional halal practices:
- The concept of halal (permissible) and haram (prohibited) foods in Islam extends beyond pork to other types of meat, including certain cuts and methods of slaughtering animals.
- Halal meat must come from animals that are slaughtered according to Islamic rituals, which involve saying the name of Allah and ensuring minimal suffering to the animal.
4. Cultural and social factors:
- Over time, the prohibition against eating pork has become deeply embedded in Muslim cultures and societies, influencing their dietary habits and preferences.
- Muslim communities often have strong social norms that reinforce the avoidance of pork and other forbidden foods.
It is important to note that not all Muslims strictly adhere to these dietary restrictions, and there can be variations in practices among different communities and individuals. However, the prohibition against consuming pork remains a significant aspect of Islamic dietary guidelines.