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Why Can’t Muslims Eat Pork?
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Halal meat vs. haram meat
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Halal meat vs. haram meat
Halal meat vs. haram meat The term halal often appears in supermarkets and restaurants to help Muslims identify which meats conform to Islamic standards. Meats that are not halal, such as pork, are considered haram and are avoided by Muslim consumers.

Why Can’t Muslims Eat Pork?

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The Qurʾān states that the consumption of pork is not allowed, as it is considered impure, and pork is therefore considered to be haram (expressly forbidden). This prohibition is part of a broader set of dietary laws that aims to maintain ritual purity and cleanliness, which are central to Islamic practice. The Qurʾān and the Hadith (the sayings of Muhammad) provide the foundation for these dietary restrictions, ensuring that Muslims adhere to a lifestyle that is sanctioned by Islamic law (see halal).

In Islam, maintaining a state of ritual purity (see ṭahāra) is essential for performing religious duties. Pork is classified as najas, meaning it is inherently unclean and defiling. Consuming pork would compromise a Muslim’s state of purity, making them unfit for certain religious activities.

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