What Religion Doesn’t Eat Pork or Shellfish? Exploring Dietary Restrictions

For many faiths, dietary restrictions play an important role. Some of the most well-known forbidden foods include pork and shellfish which are prohibited in Judaism and Islam. But why avoid these particular foods? And what other religions eschew pork or shellfish from their diets?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the religious origins and reasoning behind these dietary customs. Understanding the cultural significance and meaning behind such food taboos can foster more religious awareness and tolerance.

Judaism’s Rejection of Swine

The Jewish kosher dietary laws outlined in the Torah expressly forbid the consumption of pork, shellfish and other non-kosher animals like reptiles insects, and rodents.

These restrictions date back thousands of years to Biblical times. Scholars have proposed several theories regarding the origin of the pork taboo:

• Pigs were scavengers and may have consumed corpses, causing disease transmission concerns
• A pig’s tendency to wallow in its own excrement was considered unclean
• Pigs were associated with pagan religious rituals and therefore considered taboo
• Pork spoils quickly in hot climates like the Middle East, causing food safety concerns

The aversion to pork runs deep in Jewish culture and theology. By abstaining from swine, Jews reinforce their religious identity and commitment to obeying divine law.

Islam’s Prohibition of Pork

Like Judaism, Islam also clearly prohibits the consumption of pork and pork products This food restriction comes directly from the Quran

“Forbidden to you is that which dies of itself, and blood, and flesh of swine…” (Quran 5:3)

Thus, pork is considered haram, meaning forbidden under Islamic law. Scholars suggest the prohibition protects health and hygiene, as undercooked pork can harbor parasites.

However, the ban likely also arose from pork’s association with Arab pagan culture and rituals. By rejecting pork, Muslims spiritually purify themselves and demonstrate devotion to God.

Other Religions that Forbid Pork

While Judaism and Islam are the two largest and strictest when it comes to prohibiting pork, other faiths also eschew it:

• The Bahá’í Faith actively discourages pork consumption as it is considered unclean.

• Rastafarianism considers pork taboo, as Rastafarians follow a strict ital vegetarian diet.

• Some Christian denominations, like Seventh-day Adventists, discourage pork consumption based on the Bible’s Old Testament laws.

• Many Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism discourage eating pork as pigs are considered unhygienic and vile in these faiths.

So while not an absolute restriction in most cases, pork avoidance still plays a role in multiple world religions.

Shellfish Avoidance in Faiths

Shellfish laws can be more complex, as some faiths prohibit certain types while allowing others. Here’s an overview:

Judaism

Jewish Kosher law prohibits all shellfish without fins or scales, including:

• Shrimp
• Lobster
• Crab
• Clams
• Oysters
• Scallops

Shellfish are considered treif, or non-kosher. This likely originated from health concerns over eating bottom-dwellers.

Islam

Most Islamic schools prohibit eating all seafood without scales and fins. These foods are labelled haram, so Muslims must avoid:

• Shrimp
• Lobster
• Crab
• Clams

However, some schools allow shellfish like shrimps and prawns.

Hinduism

Most Hindus abstain from eating any seafood, and strongly avoid “bottom-feeding” fish and aquatic animals that lack scales. These are seen as dirty and unacceptable for the vegetarian Hindu diet.

Clearly, pork and shellfish hold deep cultural and religious symbolism, explaining the prevalence of restrictions against them. By exploring food taboos, we can better understand diversity of thought and practice. This knowledge breeds increased sensitivity and tolerance, bringing our communities together in spite of our differences.