Question:
Salam Alaikum,
I just want to understand whether being Muslims do we really have to hate pork. As our Prophet (peace be upon him) has forbidden us from eating pork due to many diseases etc. It is haram. But being in foreign countries, going to a pizza shop and ordering a vegetarian pizza (where they even use beacon.) is that haram too? Some times we watch how they add ingredients just to make sure they are adding only vegetables. But still they use same gloves, thong, and oven to cook veg pizza. Please advise whether we really have to be so particular about utensils too? I want to understand being Muslim do we have to avoid pork or really hate pork? Sometimes I feel Allah has created human being and animals. Please advise as I am very confused.
Jazak Allah,
Answer:
wa `alaykum salam,
Allah forbade us to consume pig/pork but that does not require us to hate pigs. Similarly we are forbidden to eat dogs, but we may keep dogs (outside the house because they are unclean). Allah knows best.
As for being careful to avoid traces of haram food, yes that is best.
Taher Siddiqui
