The kind of foods forbidden in the Qur’an is not a complex and intriguing aspect in the religion of Islam. There is no necessity for a broad range of denominations and interpretations, as dietary restrictions are observed solely from the restriction mentioned in the Qur’an. This article delves into the concept of forbidden foods in Islam, exploring the kinds of food being prohibited.
Food forbidden in the Qur’an –
S2:173 He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced by necessity, neither desiring [it] nor transgressing its limit, there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
S5:3 Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah, and [those animals] killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a head-long fall or by the goring of horns, and those from which a wild animal has eaten, except what you are able to slaughter [before its death], and those which are sacrificed on stone altars, and prohibited is that you seek decision through divining arrows. That is grave disobedience. This day those who disbelieve have despaired of your religion; so, fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. But whoever is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
The above S5:3 mentioned forbidden are animals killed by strangling, violent blow, head-long fall and by goring and that makes the kind of slaughter approved by Islam would be swift, deep slit or incision to the throat with a sharp knife. This cut severs the windpipe, oesophagus, and jugular veins, and is performed while reciting the name of Allah.
This will cause minimum pain, allow the blood to drain completely and the animal is alive at the moment of slaughter.
Any decree of forbidden food comes only from Allah and none others not even the Prophet is allowed to forbid any food –
S5:87-88 O you who have believed, do not prohibit the good things which Allah has made lawful to you and do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors. And eat of what Allah has provided for you which is lawful and good. And fear Allah, in whom you are believers.
S10:59-60 Say, “Have you seen what Allah has sent down to you of provision of which you have made some lawful and some unlawful?” Say, “Has Allah permitted you to do so, or do you invent something about Allah?” And what will be the supposition of those who invent falsehood about Allah on the Day of Resurrection? Indeed, Allah is full of bounty to the people, but most of them are not grateful.”
And the Prophet was commanded to say –
S6:145 Say: “I find not in the message received by me by inspiration any forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be dead meat, or blood poured forth, or the flesh of swine, for it is an abomination or what is impious, (meat) on which a name has been invoked, other than Allah’s”. But even so, if a person is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits, thy Lord is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
S6:150 Say: “Bring forward your witnesses to prove that Allah did forbid so and so.” If they bring such witnesses, be not thou among them: Nor follow thou their vain desires of such as treat our signs as falsehoods, and such as believe not in the Hereafter: for they hold others as equal with their Guardian-Lord.
S6:121 And do not eat of that upon which the name of Allah has not been mentioned, for indeed, it is grave disobedience. And indeed, do the devils inspire their allies among men to dispute with you. And if you were to obey them, indeed, you would be associators of others with Him.
In principle, the Qur’an is specific when it mentioned the forbidden part it is only the flesh of swine that is made haram to be eaten. However, there are some current uses from porcine tissues in medicine which is use for its health care benefits not for food and thus, should not be taken as forbidden.
Porcine tissue is often used to create surgical mesh, which can be used in hernia repairs, reconstructive surgery, and other procedures requiring additional support for weakened or damaged tissues.
Bone and soft tissues are used in dentistry for periodontal repairs and as bone graft materials in oral surgery. They are also employed in surgeries to repair or replace damaged bone and cartilage.
Corneas sourced from pigs have been explored as a substitute for human corneas in transplants because of their similar structure and optical properties. They can help restore vision or reduce pain in patients whose corneas are damaged.
Porcine-derived materials are used in the production of wound dressings and coverings that promote healing in chronic wounds, burns, or surgical sites. These can include collagen matrices derived from porcine skin, which help facilitate new tissue growth and speed up the healing process.
If all the above is to be forbidden God would have made pig or porcine instead the flesh of swine as the item of forbidden but it is obvious His intention is on specific which is the consumption but not its medical use for health care benefits.
And the other principle which should not be misled is that animals are slaughtered for food but anything that is not taken for food like wearing shoes or belt from hides or animal skins surely do not need the animals to be slaughtered in the Islamic way.
Of the prohibitions mentioned other than food –
S6:151-153 Say, “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities, what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden to be killed except by legal right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason.” And do not approach the orphan’s property except in a way that is best until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weight in justice. We do not charge any soul except with that within its capacity. And when you testify, be just, even if it concerns a near relative. And the covenant of Allah was fulfilled. This has He instructed you that you may remember. And, moreover, this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow other ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous.
S7:33 Say, “My Lord has only forbidden immoralities, what is apparent of them and what is concealed and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.”
S40:56 Indeed, those who dispute concerning the signs of Allah without any authority having come to them, there is not within their breasts except pride, the extent of which they cannot reach. So, seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Seeing.
S6:155 And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing: so, follow it and be righteous, that ye may receive mercy.
Pondering with Saifuddin's index 