Is It Permissible for Muslims to Sell Pork?

Pork consumption and trade are strictly prohibited in Islam, and this prohibition extends to the sale of pork as well. This article will explore the Quranic and Prophetic evidence that establishes the prohibition on selling pork, addressing common misconceptions and providing guidance for Muslims in this regard.

Quranic Prohibition

The primary Quranic verse that prohibits the consumption and sale of pork is found in Surah Al-An’am, verse 145:

“Say (O Muhammad): 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 a dead animal or blood poured forth (by slaughtering or the like), or the flesh of pork; for that surely, is impure or impious (unlawful) meat (of an 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).” (Al-An’am 6:145)

This verse clearly states that the flesh of pork is “impure” and “unlawful” to consume. By extension, this prohibition also applies to the sale of pork, as it would be contradictory to allow the sale of something that is forbidden to consume.

Prophetic Hadiths

Numerous hadiths (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) further emphasize the prohibition on selling pork. For instance, in a hadith narrated by Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Allah and His Messenger have forbidden the sale of alcohol, dead meat, pork, and idols.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This hadith explicitly includes pork among the items that are forbidden to sell. Additionally, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:

“When Allah forbids a thing, He (also) forbids its price.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud and Al-Tirmidhi)

This principle further reinforces the prohibition on selling pork, as the price of an item is directly related to its permissibility.

Scholarly Consensus

The vast majority of Islamic scholars throughout history have agreed that the sale of pork is prohibited. This consensus is based on the aforementioned Quranic verses and hadiths, which leave no room for ambiguity.

Misconceptions and Clarifications

Misconception: It is permissible to sell pork to non-Muslims.

Clarification: While non-Muslims are not bound by Islamic dietary laws, it is still prohibited for Muslims to sell pork to them. This is because the prohibition on selling pork is based on its inherent impurity and unlawfulness, regardless of who the intended consumer is.

Misconception: Pork was not explicitly prohibited during the Prophet’s time.

Clarification: The Quranic verse prohibiting pork (Al-An’am 6:145) was revealed during the early Meccan period, indicating that the prohibition was in place from the very beginning of Islam.

Misconception: The prohibition on pork is only applicable to Muslims.

Clarification: The prohibition on pork is a universal commandment from Allah that applies to all people, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Conclusion

The sale of pork is strictly prohibited in Islam, as established by clear Quranic verses and Prophetic hadiths. This prohibition applies to both Muslims and non-Muslims and is based on the inherent impurity and unlawfulness of pork. Muslims must adhere to this prohibition and avoid any involvement in the sale of pork, as it is a grave sin.