One of the unique attributes of Islam is its consideration not only to our spirituality but also to our physical and intellectual wellbeing. Due to this, God has commanded us to engage and consume in what will benefit the body, mind and soul. God clarified these guidelines when He said: “He directs them to righteousness, and deters them from evil, and allows for them all good things, and prohibits for them wickedness.” 7:157 Prophet Mohammed elaborated when he said: “Allah the Almighty is good and accepts only that which is good. And verily Allah has commanded the believers to do that which He has commanded the Messengers. So, the Almighty has said: “O (you) Messengers! Eat of the tayyibat (all kinds of pure and beneficial foods) and perform righteous deeds.” 23:51 The religion put forward certain rules to guide us in the area of nutrition. As a general principle God said: “O you who believe! Eat of the good things We have provided for you, and give thanks to God, if it is Him that you serve.” 2:172 And God went on to specify the kinds of food to avoid when He said: Say, “In what was revealed to me, I find nothing forbidden to a consumer who eats it, except the decaying flesh of dead animals, or spilled blood, or the flesh of swine—because it is impure—or a sinful offering dedicated to other than God. But if someone is compelled by necessity, without being deliberate or malicious—your Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.” 6:145 When inquiring the reason for Pork to be forbidden the Quran uses an expression that allows a variety of meanings. The Arabic expression that is used is Rijs and can mean the quality of being unclean, the state of impure; it can indicate something that will lead to a harmful consequence; and is an expression that can also be translated to an abomination or a sinful act. In modern times, this wide range of use of the term has motivated people to conduct their own research. Some have made a good argument between the association of eating Pork and the increase in cholesterol due to the concentrated fat within its meat. Others made a connection between Pork and Parasites. Some research has concentrated on the dietary habits of pigs and their findings were not favorable. Though the outcome has offered an intellectual comfort to some, Muslims believe in the wisdom of God. Fortunately, in most cases God will express the reasons for certain rulings, as the religion of Islam admires and encourages a good understanding of its teachings. In rare cases, when the Quran is addressing an issue, God will not mention the reason or will use a general term, like in this situation, as a way to test their commitment to the religion and allow its adherents to have their own analysis and discovery. Islam forbidding Muslims from eating pork does not dismiss the benefit of the animal.
