In English, pork is called “pork” and in Arabic, it is referred to as “لحم الخنزير” (lahm al-khinzeer).

Commandment

According to the Quran and Hadith, the pig and all its parts are considered haram (forbidden).

Allah has stated in the Quran: “He has only forbidden you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 173)

In another verse, He said: “Say, ‘I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal or blood spilled out or the flesh of swine – for indeed, it is impure – or it be [that slaughtered in] disobedience, dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], then indeed, your Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.'” (Surah Al-An’am, Ayah 145)

Exegesis

Tafsir Kabir states: “The entire ummah (Muslim community) is unanimous that the pig and all its parts are forbidden.” (Tafsir Kabir, Volume 5, Page 200, Published by Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi)

Hadith

It is narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) say during the year of the conquest of Makkah, while he was in Makkah: “Allah and His Messenger have forbidden the sale of wine, dead animals, pigs, and idols.” It was asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what about the fat of the dead animal? For it is used to coat ships, grease skins, and people use it as a lamp oil.” He said, “No, it is forbidden.” Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “May Allah curse the Jews, for Allah forbade them the fat, but they melted it down and sold it, and consumed its price.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1297)

Why is pork forbidden?

The Quran and Hadith contain explicit texts declaring the prohibition of pork. The fundamental reason for its prohibition is the divine command: God has declared it haram in the Quran, and who knows the creation better than the Creator? Therefore, He is fully aware of what is permissible or forbidden, and what is beneficial or harmful.

A medical reason for its prohibition could be that pork is extremely filthy, impure, and harmful. According to the Quran (وَيُحَرِّمُ عَلَيْـهِـمُ الْخَبَائِثَ), all impure things are forbidden. It follows that one reason for the prohibition of pork is its impurity.

A person with a sound nature naturally feels repulsed by it.

Zoologists state that the pig is the filthiest of animals. Its impurity is evident in its behavior, such as bringing other pigs to mate with its own female. Those who consume it may exhibit some of its traits, as seen in some Christians who eat pork and where immorality is so prevalent that fathers and daughters, and brothers and sisters, do not find it objectionable to sleep together.

Scientifically, pork is extremely toxic and causes dozens of diseases.