Dive into the religious and cultural reasons behind Saudi Arabia’s prohibition on pork, and explore how these norms impact the wider Muslim community and dietary laws in Abrahamic religions.
Why is pork not allowed in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi law prohibits alcoholic beverages and pork products in the country as they are considered to be against Islam. Those violating the law are handed harsh punishments.
Why do Arabs not eat pork?
In Abrahamic religions, eating pig flesh is clearly forbidden by Jewish (kashrut), Islamic (halal) and Adventist (kosher animals) dietary laws. The pig is considered an unclean animal as food in Judaism and Islam, and parts of Christianity.
Is it possible to eat pork in Saudi Arabia?
Consumption of Pork All Muslims, under Islamic law, are not allowed to eat pork. Saudi’s expect non-Muslim foreign teachers to abide by this law while teaching in Saudi Arabia too, regardless of their own religious beliefs.
Why can’t Muslims touch pork?
Islam teaches that pigs are unclean and eating pork is a sin, and some Muslims feel selling or handling pork is also forbidden because it would make them complicit in the sins of others.
Why is pork considered unclean?
In Leviticus 11:27, God forbids Moses and his followers to eat swine “because it parts the hoof but does not chew the cud.” Furthermore, the prohibition goes, “Of their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch; they are unclean to you.” That message is later reinforced in Deuteronomy.
What does the Bible say about eating pork?
Christians may eat pork because God has declared it once more to be clean. “What God has declared clean you must not call common” (Acts 10:15). Pork is one of those “foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth” (1Timothy 4:3).