Why Don't We Eat Pork

Society Religion & Philosophy
1

As-Salamun-Alaikum

I got this in an email

Why we don’t eat pork?
Posted by Zahra

This answers as to why we don’t eat pork!!!

It’s good to know…sorry rather disgusting…

If you pour Coke (yes, the soda) on a slab of pork, and wait a little while, you will SEE Worms crawl out of it.

A message from the Health Corporation of Singapore about the Bad effects of pork consumption.

Pig’s bodies contain MANY TOXINS, WORMS and LATENT DISEASES. Although some of these infestations are harbored in other animals, modern veterinarians say that pigs are far MORE PREDISPOSED to these illnesses than other animals.

This could be because PIGS like to SCAVENGE and will eat ANY kind of food, INCLUDING dead insects, worms,
rotting carcasses, reta (including their own), garbage, and other pigs. INFLUENZA (flu) is one of the MOST
famous illnesses which pigs share with humans. This illness is harbored in the LUNGS of pigs during the
summer months and tends to affect pigs and humans in the cooler months.

Sausage contains bits of pigs’ lungs, so THOSE who EAT pork sausage tend to SUFFER MORE during EPIDEMICS
of INFLUENZA. Pig meat contains EXCESSIVE quantities of HISTAMINE and IMIDAZOLE compounds, which can lead to ITCHING and INFLAMMATION; GROWTH HORMONE, which PROMOTES INFLAMMATION and growth; sulfur containing mesenchymal mucus, which leads to SWELLING and deposits of MUCUS in tendons and cartilage, resulting in ARTHRITIS, RHEUMATISM,etc.

Sulfur helps cause FIRM human tendons and ligaments to be replaced by the pig’s soft mesenchymal tissues, and
degeneration of human cartilage.

Eating pork can also lead to GALLSTONES and OBESITY, probably due to its HIGH CHOLESTEROL and SATURATED
FAT content. The pig is the MAIN CARRIER of the TAENIA SOLIUM WORM, which is found in its flesh. These
tapeworms are found in human intestines with greater frequency in nations where pigs are eaten. This type
of tapeworm can pass through the intestines and affect many other organs, and is incurable once it reaches
beyond a certain stage. One in six people in the US and Canada has TRICHINOSIS from eating trichina worms,
which are found in pork. Many people have NO SYMPTOMS to warn them of this, and when they do, they resemble symptoms of many other illnesses.

These worms are NOT noticed during meat inspections, NOR are they killed by salting or smoking. Few people
cook the meat long enough to kill the trichinae. The rat (another scavenger) also harbors this disease.

There are dozens of other worms, germs, diseases and bacteria which are commonly found in pigs, many of
which are specific to the pig, or found in greater frequency in pigs. PIGS are biologically similar to
humans, and their meat is said to TASTE SIMILAR to HUMAN FLESH. Pigs have been used for DISSECTION in
biology labs due to the similarity between their organs and human organs.

People with insulin-dependent diabetes usually inject themselves with pig insulin.

2

If you pour Coke (yes, the soda) on a slab of pork, and wait a little while, you will SEE Worms crawl out of it.

** I don't believe it. It does not make any sense scientifically. How can anybody eat it if they see worms crawling out of it.**

Pig's bodies contain MANY TOXINS, WORMS and LATENT DISEASES. Although some of these infestations are harbored in other animals, modern veterinarians say that pigs are far MORE PREDISPOSED to these illnesses than other animals.

This could be because PIGS like to SCAVENGE and will eat ANY kind of food, INCLUDING dead insects, worms,

rotting carcasses, reta (including their own), garbage, and other pigs.

Many domestic animals which we happily eat also scavenge but it does not stop us from eating them. e.g. doemstic chicken, ducks and even cows and buffalo are commonly seen eating all kind of junks in India and Pakistan

INFLUENZA (flu) is one of the MOST
famous illnesses which pigs share with humans. This illness is harbored in the LUNGS of pigs during the
summer months and tends to affect pigs and humans in the cooler months.

Sausage contains bits of pigs' lungs, so THOSE who EAT pork sausage tend to SUFFER MORE during EPIDEMICS
of INFLUENZA. Pig meat contains EXCESSIVE quantities of HISTAMINE and IMIDAZOLE compounds, which can lead to ITCHING and INFLAMMATION; GROWTH HORMONE, which PROMOTES INFLAMMATION and growth; sulfur containing mesenchymal mucus, which leads to SWELLING and deposits of MUCUS in tendons and cartilage, resulting in ARTHRITIS, RHEUMATISM,etc.

Sulfur helps cause FIRM human tendons and ligaments to be replaced by the pig's soft mesenchymal tissues, and
degeneration of human cartilage.

Eating pork can also lead to GALLSTONES and OBESITY, probably due to its HIGH CHOLESTEROL and SATURATED
FAT content. The pig is the MAIN CARRIER of the TAENIA SOLIUM WORM, which is found in its flesh. These
tapeworms are found in human intestines with greater frequency in nations where pigs are eaten. This type
of tapeworm can pass through the intestines and affect many other organs, and is incurable once it reaches
beyond a certain stage. One in six people in the US and Canada has TRICHINOSIS from eating trichina worms,
which are found in pork. Many people have NO SYMPTOMS to warn them of this, and when they do, they resemble symptoms of many other illnesses.

These worms are NOT noticed during meat inspections, NOR are they killed by salting or smoking. Few people
cook the meat long enough to kill the trichinae. The rat (another scavenger) also harbors this disease.

There are dozens of other worms, germs, diseases and bacteria which are commonly found in pigs, many of
which are specific to the pig, or found in greater frequency in pigs. PIGS are biologically similar to
humans, and their meat is said to TASTE SIMILAR to HUMAN FLESH. Pigs have been used for DISSECTION in
biology labs due to the similarity between their organs and human organs.

People with insulin-dependent diabetes usually inject themselves with pig insulin.

These are true but it also a fact that many diseases are carried in beef as well so this can not be presented as a reason for not eating it?
Similar to Taenia Solium carried by pig, Taenia Saginata is carried by Cows.
Mad cow disease is a lethal infection of nervous system and the responsible virus is carried in Cows meat.

Belief is not what mind possesses, it is what possesses the mind!

3

so what are you suggesting analyze it????

4

yeah...are you suggesting anything ??

5

This is such absolute crap !

We don't eat pork cuz in Islam it is forbidden .. pure and simple.

6

Yes, I am suggesting that we dont eat pork simply because it is forbidden by religion. In so many things we do, there is no need to "Justify" them scientifically.
There are problems with beef consumption too but no one is going to present that since it is halal to consume beef.
On the other hand science is not perfect and is evolving so what is considered bad by science today may prove to be beneficial in the future and vice versa. I am not implying it to pork consumption but pointing out to another i.e. alcohol;
Although alcohol consumption has many perils but it has been proven recently by several scientific studies that moderate amount of alcohol consumption protects against heart diseases. So it has its benefits too.

Belief is not what mind possesses, it is what possesses the mind!

7

[quote]
Originally posted by analyze it:
*Although alcohol consumption has many perils but it has been proven recently by several scientific studies that moderate amount of alcohol consumption protects against heart diseases. So it has its benefits too.
*
[/quote]

But analayze it,

This report came under fire from many medical practicioners.

They shoot partypoopers, don't they?

8

'analyze it' I was refering to the original post and I agree with you a 100%.

[quote]
Originally posted by analyze it:
*Yes, I am suggesting that we dont eat pork simply because it is forbidden by religion. In so many things we do, there is no need to "Justify" them scientifically.
*
[/quote]

Can you call that post scientific justification ? It belongs in the jokes section. Someone who had already made up their mind, that pork meat was the bane of all evil. Went ahead pulled up a whole lot of references and a bunch of generalizations, then threw them together in one post.

9

[quote]
Originally posted by Mr Partypooper:
** But analayze it,

This report came under fire from many medical practicioners.

**
[/quote]

**
partypooper, this is not just one report, but there are several reports published in premier medical journals over last decade and there is consensus in the medical community that there is an element of protection provided by ingestions of "moderate" amounts of alcohol.
If you are interested, I can provide several references.
Medical studies always are scrutinized and there are always some differing opinions but I am not aware of any valid and convincing dontradiction of these studies.Let me know if you know of some.

Belief is not what mind possesses, it is what possesses the mind!

10

Just to add on the commentary about the alcohol consumption. It is well known fact that alcohol consumption was allowed several years after Islam was revealed. Can anybody answer why?

I read in an Islamic web site that " Alcohol was banned by allah when Hadhrat Ali went into a Mosque while he was drunk".
I don't know if this incidence is true or not but would like someone to point out the incidence and reference.

Also, isn't it true that the true believers are promised to be provided with lot of women(Hoors) and lot of Sharab(alcohol) while in paradise.

Belief is not what mind possesses, it is what possesses the mind!

11

[quote]
Originally posted by analyze it:
**
partypooper, this is not just one report, but there are several reports published in premier medical journals over last decade and there is consensus in the medical community that there is an element of protection provided by ingestions of "moderate" amounts of alcohol.
If you are interested, I can provide several references.
**
[/quote]

Thank you for your kind offer. I certainly am interested. I am actually referring to the chocolate and red wine issue that was raised up last year as possible food and drink that are good for the heart. Would you kindly throw some light upon this please?

They shoot partypoopers, don't they?

12

The fact that alcohol has 'some' benefits is mentioned in the Quran (I can search for the reference, if you wish)... however, Allah Ta'lla has further stated that there are more bad effects of alcohol, and for imaan-walay the right path is to avoid it.

This ayat came BEFORE alcohol was completely prohibited by the comparing it to 'praying in front of idols' (the worst form of gunah). It is 'najis' and 'shaitani kaam'.

But we are discussing pork here. I agree that for a true muslim, the word of Allah, prohibiting eating pork is sufficient.

The scientific reasons are only required if you are informing a non-muslim about our aqeeda. Non-muslims do not necessarily attach the same importance to Allah ka hukm, and if not provided with logical reasons, they tend to associate islam with foolishness and stupid rituals/rules. So, its best to have knowledge. Whether you use it or not is upto you and depends on the situation.

13

[quote]
Originally posted by analyze it:
*Just to add on the commentary about the alcohol consumption. It is well known fact that alcohol consumption was allowed several years after Islam was revealed. Can anybody answer why?
*
[/quote]

It seems that the Prophet (pbuh), in consideration of the fact that the recently converted Muslims would face some difficulty in correcting their habits, did not institute a regular punishment for drinking. Anyone guilty of such a crime was lightly reprimanded and admonished against his action. Later on, as the society became more organized, on the one hand and the people given adequate time to correct their habits on the other, a regular punishment was instituted by the second caliph, after due consultation with other companions of the Prophet (pbuh). This point is further substantiated by the fact that during the times of the first Caliph – Abu Bakr (ra) – a person guilty of drinking was usually administered forty lashes. Then during the times of the second Caliph – Omar (ra) – the punishment was raised to eighty lashes. Obviously, had the Shari`ah stipulated a punishment for drinking, the Prophet (pbuh) and the two caliphs following him would have instituted that particular punishment.

[quote]
Originally posted by analyze it:
**
I read in an Islamic web site that " Alcohol was banned by allah when Hadhrat Ali went into a Mosque while he was drunk".
I don't know if this incidence is true or not but would like someone to point out the incidence and reference.
**
[/quote]

As far as the contention of this incident is concerned, I really do not think that it deserves any attention unless an academic basis is provided to support it. I have never come across this narration before.

[quote]
Originally posted by analyze it:
**
Also, isn't it true that the true believers are promised to be provided with lot of women(Hoors) and lot of Sharab(alcohol) while in paradise.
**
[/quote]

You are trying to point out an apparent contradiction in Al-Baqarah 2: 219, Al-Maaidah 5: 90, and Muhammad 47: 15 and Al-Mutaffifeen 83: 22, 25.

Al-Baqarah 2: 219 reads as:

"They ask you concerning [drinking] wine and gambling. Say: ‘Both these entail great sin and a few benefits for people; and the sin of the two is greater than their benefits’."

Al-Maaidah 5: 90 reads as:

"Believers, [drinking] wine, gambling, [animals sacrificed at] shrines and [food distributed by] raffling through arrows are all unclean, satanic deeds, therefore refrain from them, so that you may be successful [in the test of this life]."

Muhammad 47: 15 reads as:

"The parable of Paradise, which the God-fearing are promised: In it are rivers of incorruptible water, rivers of milk of which the taste never deteriorates, rivers of wine of joyous taste for the drinkers, and rivers of clear and pure honey. In it shall they be bestowed all kinds of fruits and [complete] forgiveness from their Lord. Are these like him, who is to dwell forever in fire and shall be given boiling water, which shall cut-up their bowels?"

Al-Mutaffifeen 83: 22 – 26 reads as:

"The faithful shall indeed be in blessings; watching from their esteemed thrones; You shall recognize from their faces the sparkle of bliss; They shall be given to drink from exquisite, sealed wine – sealed with musk – for this [life of bliss] should the aspirants aspire."

It is clear that according to the first two cited verses, wine is forbidden by the Qur’an, while according to the third and the fourth verse, it shall be served to the pious in the hereafter. So it would seem, it is either that 1) during the life of this world, Muslims have been forbidden something, which is good enough to be served in Paradise; or 2) something, which is evil enough to be termed as ‘Satan’s handiwork’ in the life of this world is not only allowed but also provided in overflowing quantities – as is evidenced by the phrase ‘rivers of wine...’ – in Paradise.

Keeping the stated reason of the prohibition of intoxicants in perspective, it is clear that the consumption of all such beverages that produce the effects, due to which intoxicants have been prohibited by the Shari`ah, should be refrained from. On the contrary, the consumption of all such beverages, which do not produce the stated undesired effects, should obviously not be considered prohibited. In other words, if it is said that liquor is prohibited because it intoxicates the mind, it would automatically follow that any drink (liquor) that does not intoxicate the mind is not prohibited.

If the third and the fourth cited verses are taken independent of the other stipulations of the Qur’an regarding the ‘wine’ served in Paradise, it would then have to be submitted that they contradict the first two cited verses of the Qur’an. However, if all the stipulations of the Qur’an, relating to the ‘wine’ served in Paradise are taken, as a whole, we see that the Qur’an has informed us about some of the important qualities of this wine. For instance, in Al-Insaan 76: 21, the Qur’an says:

"Upon them shall be green silk and brocade garments and they shall be adorned with bracelets of silver; their Lord having given them a cleansed drink."

It should be noted that the words ‘cleansed drink’ as used in the Arabic language, clearly imply ‘cleansed from all vices’.

Then again in Al-Saaffaat 37: 43 – 47, the Qur’an says:

"[They shall be] in blissful gardens; on esteemed thrones, facing each other; glasses of a pure drink shall be served to them, [a drink] pure white, an exquisite taste for those who would drink; In it shall neither be headiness nor shall they lose their senses due to it."

In these verses, it is clearly stated that the ‘wine’ served in paradise shall not cause loss of senses or consciousness and thus, shall be absolutely clear of those effects, which render it prohibited and which renders its drinking a ‘Satanic Deed’.

Furthermore, in Al-Waaqi`ah 56: 17 – 19, the Qur’an says:

"Perpetually young boys shall be serving them goblets, beakers and glasses of a [special kind of pure drink]; They shall neither suffer headaches nor shall they lose their senses from it."

Thus, keeping all the stipulations of the Qur’an in perspective, the complete information received may be represented thus:

1. Liquor (wine) has been prohibited due to the potential effects that follow its consumption;

2. Liquor, which is clear of all the negative potential effects, shall be served to the pious in Paradise.

Now, let the reader decide whether or not it is a case of contradictory statements.

They shoot partypoopers, don't they?

14

Partypooper;
I am impressed and beginning to admire your posts. You really seem highly knowledgeable.
I read your posts about issue of Kilafah and they were great too.
Now back to discussion;
I heard and read that wine which will be provided to faithfuls will be free of bad properties. It looks plausible.
A question that comes to my mind is that the mere reason for which alcohol is such a popular drink among humans is its actions on nervous system leading to a sense of euphoria and uninhibitness. Men seek to get the same sensations and it leads to addiction.
My question is that if we take out properties of wine leading to addiction, who would want to drink it anyway?

http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/hehe.gif

Drinking wine would be just like drinking orange juice

http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/hehe.gif

Food for thought!

Belief is not what mind possesses, it is what possesses the mind!

15

[quote]
Originally posted by Mr Partypooper:
** Thank you for your kind offer. I certainly am interested. I am actually referring to the chocolate and red wine issue that was raised up last year as possible food and drink that are good for the heart. Would you kindly throw some light upon this please?

**
[/quote]

I will provide you with references tomorrow.

Belief is not what mind possesses, it is what possesses the mind!

16

[quote]
Originally posted by Pristine:
**The fact that alcohol has 'some' benefits is mentioned in the Quran (I can search for the reference, if you wish)... however, Allah Ta'lla has further stated that there are more bad effects of alcohol, and for imaan-walay the right path is to avoid it.

This ayat came BEFORE alcohol was completely prohibited by the comparing it to 'praying in front of idols' (the worst form of gunah). It is 'najis' and 'shaitani kaam'.

But we are discussing pork here. I agree that for a true muslim, the word of Allah, prohibiting eating pork is sufficient.

The scientific reasons are only required if you are informing a non-muslim about our aqeeda. Non-muslims do not necessarily attach the same importance to Allah ka hukm, and if not provided with logical reasons, they tend to associate islam with foolishness and stupid rituals/rules. So, its best to have knowledge. Whether you use it or not is upto you and depends on the situation.**
[/quote]

Sorry pristine, it looks like nobody had anything anything more to say about pork consumption so this thread is deviated. Do you want to start a separate thread about alcohol consumption.

Belief is not what mind possesses, it is what possesses the mind!

17

[quote]
Originally posted by analyze it:
**Just to add on the commentary about the alcohol consumption. It is well known fact that alcohol consumption was allowed several years after Islam was revealed. Can anybody answer why?

I read in an Islamic web site that " Alcohol was banned by allah when Hadhrat Ali went into a Mosque while he was drunk".

I don't know if this incidence is true or not but would like someone to point out the incidence and reference.

Also, isn't it true that the true believers are promised to be provided with lot of women(Hoors) and lot of Sharab(alcohol) while in paradise.

**
[/quote]

As-Salamun Alaikum
In my opinion the reason alcohol was 'banned' in 3 steps because it was something that was very hard to let go of. Its my guess that alcohol was really popular during the jahilliyyah period. It's posible that many people might have not accepted Prophet Muhammad(SAWS) message had an immediate ban been placed on alcohol .

An example of this would be the prohibiton law. During the 1920's or 30's a ban was placed on the import of alcohol in the whole of united states. The idea was to prevent people from consuming alcohol as it was becoming responsible for a lot of crimes.

However the people became increasingly angry after the ban was placed. Gangs started forming that illegaly sold liquor to the public. there were a lot clashes between opposing liquor barrons.

Thus the number of crimes actually increased from those that occurred before the ban.

Why did this happen when the ban was meant to reduce crime? IT's because the goverment took away what the nation really liked alcohol.

I am assuming that a similar problem would have ocurred if an immediate ban on alcohol was placed on the new muslims.

why else was alcohol taken away in 3 steps?

Wa-Salamun-Alaikum-Wa-Rahmatullahi-Wa-Barakatu

18

As-Salamun-Alaikum

I got this from another forum:

HORMONAL AND BEHAVIORAL EEFFECT OF PORK MEAT AND FAT INGESTION:
Pork meat and fat are not only prohibited to Muslims, but were also
prohibited to Jews and Christians as well because "Swine were designed to be
scavengers, to eat up filth." In old testament Leviticus Chapter 7-8, it is
mentioned about swine " Though he divides the hoof and be cloven footed, yet
he cheweth not the cud, he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall you not
eat." There is no mention in the Bible that Jesus ever ate pork in his life.
It was Paul who declared all food and drink permissible saying, "To the
pure, everything is pure."
THE LIFE OF THE SWINE:
To get a first hand idea, I interviewed farmers of Fisher, Indiana, who
breed swine. According to them "Swine is cheaper to breed, since it does not
require pasture, it can live on manure and other such items including dead
meat. In fact, it can even eat its own feces. Their sexual habits are also
different from other animals like cow, sheep and goat. Swine have very
little shame i.e. engage in sex acts anytime anyplace. The female hog is
very aggressive in sexual activities when she is in "heat" she does not care
about anything (i.e. food or privacy) until she has the sex. They i.e.
swine, also lick the genitals of their partners after sex like dogs, but not
other mammals like cow, sheep or goat."

WHY IS PORK FAT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ANIMAL FAT:
Fats are lipids which are a source of energy. They can be of vegetable
source or of animal source. Triglycerides are neutral fats with 1 molecule
of glycerol and three fatty acids. The fatty acids can be saturated or
unsaturated.The more unsaturated fats have high melting points. The iodine
value of fat gives the degree of un saturation. The iodine value of lard is
65, beef 45, and mutton 32. After ingestion, emulsification of fat takes
place in the stomach by gastric lipase. By pancreatic lipase hydrolysis of
triglyceride into glycerol and fatty acids takes place. The fatty acids and
glycerol are used by various tissues like muscle, heart, kidney, and liver
for an energy source. Herbivorous (plant eating) animals have unsaturated
fatty acid on the position 2 of the triglyceride (tg) molecule, while the
carnivorous (meat eating )animals have saturated fatty acid at the position
2. Pancreatic lipase (pl) can not hydrolyze TG molecule if saturated fatty
acid at position 2. Fat of dogs, rats, cats, and pork, have saturated fatty
acids on positions 2. If a person eats fat of herbivomus animal, the fat
will be hydrolyzed, absorbed, and then re synthesized and stored as human
fat, while that of carnivorous animals and pork fat will not be hydrolyzed
and therefore has to be deposited in humans as pork fat in the adipose
tissue.

WHAT HAS DEPOSITION OF PORK FAT TO DO WITH HORMONE AND BEHAVIOR IN HUMANS:
Circulating hormones are in bound form and free form. The free form has to
be attached to receptor in fat tissue before becoming active. Obesity
decreases the number of receptors therefore the hormones cannot be utilized.
Therefore, if the hormone is insulin, it leads to diabetes (type 2); and if
it is testosterone, it leads to sub fertility and amenorrhea. The amount of
fat also controls hormone release. Therefore we see menarche is delayed in
athletic girls with less fat, and occurs early in sedentary overweight
girls.

It can be postulated that in humans who have pork fat deposit there is
derangement in the binding of hormones, therefore they have a higher level
of circulating active hormone. It is possible that the sexual promiscuity
and deviant sexual practices of pork eating society is due to what they eat
! After all, it has been said by nutritionists, "Yor are what you eat."

Wa-Salamun-Alaikum-Wa-Rahmatullahi-Wa-Barakatu

19

[quote]
Originally posted by Mr Partypooper:
** Thank you for your kind offer. I certainly am interested. I am actually referring to the chocolate and red wine issue that was raised up last year as possible food and drink that are good for the heart. Would you kindly throw some light upon this please?

**
[/quote]

**
Partypooer: here are some references from eminent medical journals;

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY, 1997 Aug 15;80(4)416-20(Klatsy et al)
"Red wine,white wine, liquor, beer and risk for coronary artery disease hospitalization".

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY, 1997 Sept 15;146(6)495-501(Rehm et al)
"Alcohol consumption and coronary artery disease morbidity and mortality".

BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL, 1996 March 23;313(7033)731-6(Rimm et al)
"Review of moderate lacohol consumption and reduced risk of coronary heart disease:is the effect due to beer, wine or spirits".

CIRCULATION, 2000 Aug 1;102(5)494-9(Solomon et al)
"Moderate alcohol consumption and risk of coronary heart disease among women with typeII dibetes mellitus".

JAMA 1999, July; 282(3);239-46(Valmodrid et al)
"Alcohol intake and the risk of coronary heart disease mortality in persons with older onset diabetes mellitus".**

Hope it will be hopeful.

Belief is not what mind possesses, it is what possesses the mind!

[This message has been edited by analyze it (edited January 16, 2001).]

20

Analyze it... thank you so much for the effort and research that you have put into this. I will run these past an academic and get his opinion.

Thank you kindly.

They shoot partypoopers, don't they?