Q 9: Why and when were Khamr (intoxicant) and pork prohibited?

A9: First: It should be made clear that a Muslim has but to submit and surrender to the commands and prohibitions of Allah (Glorified be He). It does not matter whether one can understand the wisdom behind these commands or prohibitions. One must firmly believe that Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) only commands His servants to do what is in their best interest, and prohibits them from doing what may bring harm to them. When one understands the wisdom behind Allah's commands and prohibitions, one's faith is further strengthened. However, when one fails to understand this wisdom, one has but to surrender to Allah and increase one's trust in Him.Second: Allah prohibited consumption of Khamr (intoxicants) because of the deadly harm it inflicts upon minds. It was declared prohibited in the sixth year of Hijrah (Prophet's migration to Madinah). According to another view, it was declared prohibited in the fourth year of Hijrah. And Allah knows best. The conclusive prohibition of Khamr has been stated in the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) in which Allah (Glorified be He) states: O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansâb, and Al-Azlâm (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan’s (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) The Ayahs continue until Allah states: So, will you not then abstain? (Part No. 22; Page No. 78) The flesh of swine was declared prohibited before Hijrah (Prophet's migration to Madinah). The prohibition was included in the Makkan Ayahs of the Qur'an. The Permanent Committee has previously answered a similar question. The Fatwa read as follows:Allah's knowledge encompasses all things and His mercy, wisdom and justice embrace all things. Allah (Glorified be He) knows best what benefits His servants. He shows them mercy, conducts all His affairs with wisdom, commands His servants to do what brings felicity to them in this life and next and makes lawful all good things which benefit them and makes unlawful to them all harmful things.Allah declared the flesh of swine as prohibited and stated that its flesh is impure. Allah (Exalted be He) states: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "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). Allah (Exalted be He) also states: ...and prohibits them as unlawful Al-Khabâ’ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods) Factual evidence has proved that it feeds on dirt and impure things which it eats avariciously. (Part No. 22; Page No. 79) Medical experts state that worms form in the abdomen of the eaters of the flesh of swine. It also weakens the human feeling of honor and destroys chastity. Other harmful effects include indigestion, and the inability to secrete digestive juices. If their findings are proved true, then the flesh of swine is considered an evil and impure thing. But if their findings are proved false, one of sound mind must still trust in Allah's statement in the Qur'an which judges swine as impure. One must also believe in the prohibition of eating its flesh and submit entirely to Allah's judgment. It is Allah (Glorified be He) Who created it and He alone knows best its inherent harm. Should not He Who has created know? And He is the Most Kind and Courteous (to His slaves), All-Aware (of everything). May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.