Food: Choices and Consequences

Food and Human temperament

By the grace of Allah I continue to answer the questions on ‘pork’ that I received last week and I answered a lot of those questions, and today Insha-Allah, I will continue on the same subject to see a little on the immoral side which is sprouted by the consumption of this type of animal.

First, let us get the truth straight out that man is composed of body, mind and soul. The brain, the seat of the mind (with all its functions of thought, feelings and other psychological aspects) is a part of the body and takes its food as one of those parties. At any time, thousands of cells in our body get depleted and are used to operate the complex machinery of the body; food is used to replace these dead cells. Food particles become part of the body, part of which goes to the brain.

It is commonly known that food has an effect on the health of the body. But few people realize that it has an effect on the brain (hence the mind) as well. Healthy food obtained through legitimate means and consumed with a peaceful conscience, has good effects on both health of body and mind. But unhealthy food, or food taken at the time of emotional distress, harm to the body and spirit. 

The 'cultures' of Pork 

The pig is an animal such that even in countries where its flesh is a highly regarded consumer good, its name means a dirty person, a thug, a sensual, and a glutton. The word ‘pig’ is synonymous with evil and degenerate. This is because the pig is sensual and impudent. People who eat pork are gradually influenced by its inherent sensuality; and when this trend influences minds, impudence becomes common rule; modesty and honesty become outmoded ideas that are deviated from the cult of sensuality and perversion.

Some Questions on Eating Pork

All in all I must say that I did not intend to do another Friday sermon on the subject of ‘Pork’, but after last Friday’s sermon on this subject, and on what that Mullah Basharat Naveed said, so I received several questions on the topic of ‘Pork’, from people in Mauritius, and those of the neighbouring islands also such as Reunion Island, Madagascar, the Seychelles and even Rodrigues. So through this Friday sermon, I will answer those questions. Insha-Allah, may Allah help me and give me the best answer to their question and that they are satisfied; and may Allah (swt) illuminates their hearts to Islam, Ameen.

1^st Question: Being Christian, I have no difficulty to eat pork and I ask you then why are Muslims not allowed to enjoy this so delicious food, like the Christians do?

I reply that this question is somewhat surprising, because according to the scriptures, even Christians are not allowed to eat pork. Well! Let’s see what the Bible says about pork, “You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.” (Leviticus 11: 7-8). The same command is repeated in Deuteronomy (14: 8).

So, to make a commentary on these verses: the laws were inculcated and obeyed because they embodied the divine will. Pork, though one of the most common foods is one of the worst. God had forbidden Jews to eat pork, not merely to assert His authority, but because it was not a healthy food for humans.

2^nd Question: We, Christians want to know, what was the teaching of Jesus Christ on this subject?

The teaching of Jesus Christ was the same. He clearly said that the laws of the Old Testament were to be obeyed without change. So the answer I give you not only concerns our Christian brothers and sisters, but is also for all our Jewish brothers and sisters.

So in response I say:

Jesus Christ (pbuh) said: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 5: 17-19)