Why aren't pigs considered halal or kosher

Answer 1

Pigs are not considered halal in Islam or kosher in Judaism due to specific religious prohibitions outlined in their sacred texts. Here are the detailed reasons for each tradition:

### Islam (Halal):
1. **Qur'anic Prohibition**: The Qur'an explicitly forbids the consumption of pork. For example, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:173) states: "He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah."

2. **Concept of Purity**: In Islamic dietary laws, known as halal, pigs are considered impure, and their consumption is seen as detrimental to spiritual cleanliness and health.

### Judaism (Kosher):
1. **Torah Prohibition**: The Torah, which is central to Jewish law, also explicitly bans the consumption of pork. For example, Leviticus 11:7-8 states: "And the swine, though he divide the hoof and be cloven-footed, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you."

2. **Kashrut Requirements**: Jewish dietary laws (kashrut) require land animals to have both cloven hooves and to chew the cud to be considered kosher. Pigs do not chew the cud, even though they have cloven hooves, thus making them non-kosher.

3. **Symbol of Uncleanliness**: In Judaism, pigs are often seen as a symbol of impurity and defilement, and their consumption is strictly prohibited as a way to maintain ritual purity and adherence to God's commandments.

### Cultural and Religious Context:
- Both traditions consider these dietary restrictions as a form of obedience to divine commandments and a reflection of their religious identity and covenant with God.
- These prohibitions are part of broader dietary laws that also include rules about how animals should be slaughtered, the prohibition of consuming blood, and separating dairy from meat (in Judaism).

Overall, the prohibition against eating pork is deeply rooted in the religious texts and traditions of both Islam and Judaism, symbolizing adherence to divine laws and maintaining spiritual purity.