Allah says in the qur’an what can be translated as:
“he has
forbidden you only al-maitah (meat of a dead animal), blood, the flesh of
swine, and any animal which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than allah
(or has been slaughtered for idols or on which allah's name has not been
mentioned while slaughtering). but if one is forced by necessity, without
wilful disobedience, and not transgressing – then, allah is oft-forgiving, most
merciful.”
(surat an-nahl
(the bees):115).
this ayah (verse) is found in the beginning of the
last tenth of surat an-nahl, which is a makkan surah with 128
ayat. it is named surat an-nahl (bees) because it embraces an ayah
in which allah swt describes that he has gifted the female bee with the ability
to gather nectar from the flowers, digest it, and make from it the sweet syrup
we call honey. that syrup is described as coming from the bee’s
belly as a drink of different colors, wherein is a cure for mankind.
the theme of this surah revolves around two
ideas: islamic creed, and the importance of good manners. these are two
pillars of the great religion that allah swt revealed in stages on his prophets
and messengers, until he completed the religion with the final revelation that
came with the seal of all prophets and messengers, prophet muhammad son of
abdullah saws. in the surah’s discussion of islamic creed, the
reader is called to reflect upon many of allah’s signs, creations and miracles
in the universe presented in a strong scientific manner that exhibits both
comprehensiveness and parsimony. one such example is in the verse
number 115 of the surah.
scientific miracles in
ayah 115 of surat an-nahl
1. the prohibition of carrion
the death of an animal before its slaughter could be due
to its infliction with a certain disease or virus. it could also be
due to old age. in truth, these two reasons are sufficient to
prohibit this type of meat. in addition, when an animal is dead without
being properly slaughtered allowing its blood to drain from the body, then the
blood will instead become trapped in the body. this is a serious
problem because blood carries body wastes including carbon dioxide, urea, uric
acid, microorganisms, parasites, and the products of food assimilation and
metabolism that are transported via the veins and arteries and their
tributaries in the animals body. most of these substances have a potential to
rot and decay if trapped in the body, especially if the body has been left for
a period long enough to allow the start of its decay. from this
additional reason we see further wisdom and logic behind the divine prohibition
of carrion.
2. the prohibition of blood
blood is this dark red liquid which consists of a mixture
of different cells. the red blood cells form 45% of the blood volume
(4 to 6 million per mm3) which contain high concentrations of
hemoglobin that is responsible for carrying and delivering oxygen to the body’s
cells. blood also contains white blood cells which defend the body
against invasion by microorganisms and parasites that inflict
diseases. the blood also contains platelets that form a platelet
plug at the site of a wound or hemorrhage in order to allow the blood to clot. these
latter two types of cells each constitute less than 1% of the blood
volume. the rest of the blood, 54%, consists of
plasma. plasma is mostly water, and about 7% proteins (such as
albumin, globulin, antibodies, carrier proteins, fat, vitamins, hormones, and
sodium, calcium, potassium, iron, nickel, chlorine, and bicarbonate
ions). blood also carries toxic nitrogenous wastes produced by the
cells, such as ammonia, urea, and uric acid, to be excreted by the kidney as
urine. this is in addition to the various free and dissolved gases
in the blood’s plasma, and the live or dead viruses, bacteria, and parasites,
as well as broken blood cells. the heart pumps blood carrying
beneficial substances such as oxygen and nutrients to the body cells.
all this reveals that blood can transmit serious diseases
such as the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or hiv, which is still
considered an untreatable and fatal disease.
furthermore, there is the lymph which flows in the
tributaries of the lymphatic ducts that eventually merge with the large blood
vessels near the heart. these lymphatic vessels absorb the proteins that escape
from the blood vessels and those in the intercellular tissues and matrix and
return them to the blood stream at the right time, thus maintaining the
chemical homeostasis that is vital for any living creature. this is
one of the most important roles of the lymphatic system. the lymph
itself is comprised of plasma, and some of the substances dissolved in it, as
well as white blood cells and lymphocytes. lymphocytes are considered one
of the body’s key defense players against disease. in addition,
there are also the lymph nodes, which are masses of lymphoid tissue located
along the lymphatic vessels or existing independently such as the tonsils, the
pharyngeal lymph nodes, the gastrointestinal lymph nodes, the thymus gland, and
the spleen. the primary role of the lymphatic glands is to defend
the body since they possess such a large number of lymphocytes. these
glands work as filters to the gases and liquids that enter the body by
selecting the impurities such as dust, viruses, bacteria, etc and storing them
in the gland until antibodies are secreted to destroy them.
among the roles of blood in the liver, is the extraction
of the amino group, nh2, released from the amino
acids. this process results in nitrogenous wastes, such as the ones
discussed above, which the blood takes and carries to the kidneys for
excretion. thus, the excretory system, which includes the kidneys,
together with the blood, help achieve the chemical balance of the body by
excreting the waste products of metabolism.
as can be seen from the description above, the blood that
is drained during the proper slaughter of an animal contains many bodily
wastes, besides some of the dangerous substances it is already composed
of. if these substances and wastes were to stay trapped in the animal’s
body, they would clot with the blood that was on its way to the excretory
organs. after clotting, they would begin to rot and decay, which
would result in yet another set of complicated poisons and harmful chemical
products. in addition to the bodily wastes contained in blood, we
also mentioned that blood carries some viruses, bacteria, and parasites. thus,
we see the divine wisdom and logic behind the prohibition of
blood. however, we note that eating the liver or spleen of an animal
that has been slaughtered according to islamic traditions is allowed in
islam. this is based on the hadith of prophet muhammad (saws), “we
have been granted permission to eat two carrions and two bloods: the two
carrions are fish and locusts, the two bloods are liver and spleen” (narrated
by ahmed, ibn majjeh, baihaqi by way of ibn omar from the prophet saws)
3. the prohibition of the flesh of swine
the qur'an describes the swine as a abomination in more
than one location (surat al-baqara (the cow): 173" he has forbidden
you only the maitah (dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of
swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than allâh (or
has been slaughtered for idols, on which allâh’s name has not been mentioned
while slaughtering). but if one is forced by necessity without wilful
disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. truly,
allâh is oft-forgiving, most merciful.",
al-ma'idah (the table spread with food):3 "
forbidden to you (for food) are: al-maitah (the dead animals - cattle - beast
not slaughtered), blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which allâh’s name has
not been mentioned while slaughtering, (that which has been slaughtered as a
sacrifice for others than allâh, or has been slaughtered for idols) and that
which has been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong
fall, or by the goring of horns - and that which has been (partly) eaten by a
wild animal - unless you are able to slaughter it (before its death) - and that
which is sacrificed (slaughtered) on an-nusub [1](stone-altars). (forbidden) also is to
use arrows seeking luck or decision; (all) that is fisqun (disobedience of
allâh and sin). this day, those who disbelieved have given up all hope of your
religion; so fear them not, but fear me. this day, i have perfected your
religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you islâm
as your religion. but as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no
inclination to sin (such can eat these above mentioned meats), then surely,
allâh is oft-forgiving, most merciful.",
al-an'am (the cattale):145 " say (o
muhammad pbuh): "i find not in that which has been revealed to me anything
forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be maitah (a dead
animal) or blood poured forth (by slaughtering or the like), or the flesh of
swine (pork); for that surely is impure or impious (unlawful) meat (of an
animal) which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than allâh (or has been
slaughtered for idols, or on which allâh’s name has not been mentioned while
slaughtering). but whosoever is forced by necessity without wilful
disobedience, nor transgressing due limits; (for him) certainly, your lord is
oft-forgiving, most merciful."
an-nahl (the bees): 115 " he has forbidden you
only al-maitah (meat of a dead animal), blood, the flesh of swine, and any
animal which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than allâh (or has been
slaughtered for idols or on which allâh’s name has not been mentioned while
slaughtering). but if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience,
and not transgressing, - then, allâh is oft-forgiving, most merciful."
in fact, the word used by allah in the qur'an to
describe the swine is a very strong word that embodies such meanings as
filthiness, ugliness, dirtiness, and sin. it is such a strong
description to describe the swine because of its lazy, greedy, and filthy
habits. swine feeds on almost anything whether it is plants,
animals, garbage, rotten meat, and even its own waste and the waste of other
animals. this filthy diet is one of the reasons why the swine is
responsible for transporting a number of serious diseases to man.
the swine is a placental mammal with split hooves that
carry an even number of toes (four in the case of the swine) and are therefore
known as the toed ungulates or even artiodactyla. toed ungulates existed on
earth 50 million years ago from the beginning of the modern life era (early
eocene epoch) until today. however, the swine is different from the rest
of the animals in this group because of its filthy diet and the fact that it is
non ruminatingþ. the swine, like all other mammals, gives birth to
babies. it is ugly in appearance, and appears like a large mass with
small legs. its body is stout and covered by thick skin and coarse
bristles. it has long snouts and strong canines.
swine include domestic and wild types all belonging to
the families suidae and tayassuidae. the male swine is called a boar, while the
female is called a sow. the adult swine is known as hog, or “haloof”
in arabic, a term used to describe all filth, evil, and
selfishness. in english, the word swine is used to refer to all
types of pigs, male or female, domestic or wild, young or adult. it
is also used to refer to people who are evil at heart, greedy in charity, and
filthy in appearance, or to describe a woman who is mean, of evil character,
and who has no morality or virtues. swine have been domesticated
11,000 years ago, and today more than 400 breeds are known.
due to the swine’s clear filthiness, and its habit to eat
anything, it is thus very susceptible to disease, such as swine erysipelas
(which is caused by certain bacteria which can be transmitted to humans), swine
fever also known as hog cholera (caused by a virus found in dead, rotten bodies),
swine vesicular disease which is similar to the well-known foot and mouth
disease (which can be caused by a virus found in dead, rotten bodies or
garbage, and which can be transmitted to humans if they eat swine meat or
grease), among others. this is in addition to various bacteria,
viruses, parasites, and germs, that exist in swine flesh and cause infectious
diseases in humans, and a number of carcinogenic agents, many of which pose a
deadly threat to the human body. among the most dangerous causes of
disease in swine are the following:
a) trichina worms,
which are a type of nematoda (also known as round worms). an example
of a trichina worm is the trichinella spiralis, which is among one of the most
harmful parasites known to man. trichinella spiralis causes
rheumatic pains, inflammation and swelling of the muscles and later fibrosis –
a condition known as trichinellosis. trichinosis occurs when the
larvae spread to the muscles in the body. the end result could mean
a permanent handicap and lack of ability to move, and then death due to spread
of infection to the brain, the spinal cord, and the meninges. it is
of utmost importance to note that the consumption of swine meat is the main, if
not the sole, source of this serious disease in humans.
b) the taenia solium, also
known as the pork tape worm is the cause of a number of health conditions in
humans, such as anemia, disturbances in the digestive system, colics, diarrhea,
vomiting, severe depression, psychosis, and in severe cases it even causes
epileptic fits and seizures. the most dangerous fact about this worm
is that its larvae reach the blood stream and spread to vital organs such as
the brain, heart, liver, lungs, or spinal cord. there, a larva
becomes encysted and grows, thus causing pressure on the organ. this
eventually leads to death of the patient after a prolonged period of suffering.
c) round worms such
as the ascaris, hook worms, and schistosoma japonicum. the latter
causes severe hemorrhage which then leads to anemia. if it reaches
the brain or spinal cord, it causes complete paralysis followed by
death. some of the bacteria found in garbage and rotten animal meat
that the swine feeds on is the cause of diseases such as brucellosis,
erysipelas, and foot gangrene. these are just a few examples of the
long list of worms, germs, and bacteria that cause fatal diseases including
laryngitis, tuberculosis,þ cholera, typhoid, pulmonary hemorrhage, and
hepatomegaly (liver enlargement).
d) balantidium coli causes
balantidiasis presenting mainly as bloody diarrhea, tenesmus and abdominal
cramps (dysentery). infection with balantidium coli can only come from the
consumption of swine or the involvement in raising, slaughtering, or
skin-stripping this animal.
e) flat worms which cause
diseases in the intestines, the stomach, the lungs, or the
liver. the swine can spread these worms in the environment and to
those who eat its meat.
in addition to this list of worms that can cause diseases
in humans, swine meat is also difficult to digest because it has high
concentrations of fat compared to other animal meat. moreover, swine
fat is more saturated than any other animal fat, which is one of the reasons
why it can cause gallbladder stones, biliary obstruction, arteriosclerosis and
heart and circulatory system disease. this highly saturated swine fat can not
be easily transformed into fat emulsion by the pancreatic juice and thus it is
difficult to be absorbed. thus, the fat is forced to storage in its original
form, as is, with all the harmful substances it contains. it is important
to note that most muslim scholars consider the term lahm al-khenzeer (the flesh
of swine) used in the ayah as inclusive of swine meat and fat.
moreover, swine meat rots faster than any other
meat. it also has a stinky smell. the strange thing is
that satan not only succeeded in convincing non- muslims to eat the prohibited
swine meat with all its harmful contents, but also he went so far as to
convince them to eat its blood and fat in the form of black
sausages. black sausages are the swine’s intestines filled with its
blood and fat, and because the sausages contain blood, therefore combines more
than one prohibited food.
4. the prohibition of that which has been
acclaimed to other than allah
in the jahiliyya (the pre-islamic period), when the
polytheists wanted to slaughter as an immolation to their idols, they would cry
out loud the idol’s name at the time of slaughter. this is called
ihlal in arabic and means acclaim. this word was originally used to describe
the cry given on first seeing the helal (crescent), and then was absolutely
used for any cry given at surprise. thereafter, the word ihlal was used to
describe any immolation whether or not the name of the idol was mentioned, and
was cried out loud or whispered. it was even extended to include any slaughter
whether or not for the sake of immolation. allah swt says in the qur’an what
can be translated as "…and any animal which is slaughtered as a
sacrifice for others than allâh…" (surat an-nahl (the
bees):115). this ayah of surat an-nahl is thus referring to the
prohibition of that which has been acclaimed i.e. slaughtered to other than
allah. in fact, allah swt repeatedly mentions, in various other
ayahs of the qur’an, the importance of saying his name at every slaughter. the
following are translations of some:
- “…but
pronounce the name of allâh over it, and fear allâh. verily, allâh is swift in
reckoning."” (surat al-mâidah (the table):4).
- “so
eat of that (meat) on which allah's name has been pronounced (while
slaughtering the animal), if you are believers in his ayat (proofs, evidences,
verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.).and why should you not eat of that
(meat) on which allah's name has been pronounced (at the time of slaughtering
the animal), while he has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you,
except under compulsion of necessity?...” (surat al-an'âm (the cattle):118-119).
- “and
the budn (cows, oxen, or camels driven to be offered as sacrifices by the
pilgrims at the sanctuary of makkah), we have made them for you as among the
symbols of allah; wherein you have much good. so mention the name of allah over
them when they are drawn up in lines (for sacrifice).” (surat al-hajj (the
pilgrimage):36).
in a research project coordinated at several universities
in syria, twenty prominent physicians, vets, pharmacists and scientists found
that saying bismillah allahu akbar (in the name of allah, allah is the
greatest) at the slaughter of an animal sterilizes and disinfects the animal’s
body contrary to cases where allah’s name is not mentioned at the time of
slaughter. dr. khaled halawa, the spokesman for this group of
researchers, explains that several repeated experiments over a research period
of three years showed that the tissues of the animals that did not have allah’s
name mentioned at their slaughter were congested with blood, and were colonized
with some types of bacteria as streptococci, e. coli, and others. on the other
hand, the meat of the animal that had been slaughtered with the mention of
bismillah allah akbar was pure and clean, and completely drained of all blood
and germs.
dr. foad ne’ma, professor of veterinary at the university of damascus, sheds light
on this phenomenon by explaining that the animal that is slaughtered after the
deceleration of bismillah allahu akbar, goes through a series of strong
trembles, which is what, causes the blood to drain so
well. miraculously, this strong tremble is not exhibited in animals
that are slaughtered without the mention of allah’s name. thus,
although allowing the blood to drain in the process of a good slaughter rids
the animal of most of its blood with all its harmful substances, it does not rid
it of all of it. dr. nabil al-shereef, ex-dean of the faculty of
pharmaceutical sciences at the university of damascus, explains in detail the
systematized approach the researchers used in their study before reaching these
astonishing results.
based on this brief discussion, we see the clear wisdom
and logic behind the prohibition of carrion, blood, swine flesh, and that which
has been acclaimed to other than allah. the facts presented are so miraculous
that if this was the only scientific miracle in the qur’an, then it would have
been enough evidence that this book contains the words of allah (swt), the
creator, revealed to prophet muhammad saws the seal of his prophets and
messengers. this is another sign that it is he swt who preserved his
book in the original arabic language it was revealed in - word for word, letter
for letter - for the past fourteen centuries and more, and that it is he swt
who will continue to preserve the qur’an until allah swt inherits the earth and
all that is living on it to the end of all time. this ayah of surat
an-nahl (the bees) is evidence that these words could not be the words of
prophet muhammad saws, but are in fact a divine revelation from allah swt.
prayers and blessings be upon our prophet muhammad saws, his kin and companions
and all who follow his right way and call with his invocation until the day of
judgment.
