One of the most difficult challenges facing people whose religion forbids the consumption or use of pork products is the widespread presence of pork-derived substances in food, industrial, pharmaceutical, medical, surgical, cosmetic, and even military products. This makes completely avoiding their consumption or use nearly impossible. Reading labels or researching each product individually is often ineffective, as is trying to decipher the coded symbols and technical terminology used to identify pork-derived ingredients. Even limiting consumption to products labeled “Halal” or “Kosher” does not necessarily guarantee their authenticity. Such claims are not always honest, and even products that are supposedly subject to religious oversight can be manipulated.
For some, it may be easier to stop eating out or choose plant-based products made from sources such as soy, corn, and vegetable glycerin, especially given the growing availability of alternatives in global markets. However, this requires huge sacrifices that few people can realistically make. As a result, completely avoiding pig-derived products is nearly impossible, particularly when it comes to non-food items such as leather goods, hairbrushes, shoes, and, most importantly, essential medications. In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers have successfully converted a pig kidney from blood type A to type O and transplanted it.
According to a report published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, this advancement could shorten organ transplant waiting times and save the lives of many patients. This discovery is particularly important for patients with type O blood, who make up more than half of those on kidney transplant waiting lists. These patients can receive organs only from donors with the same blood type, while kidneys from type O donors can be transplanted into recipients of all other blood types. Pig products and their derivatives are widely used in the medical and cosmetic industries, as well as in some military and other sectors.
Gelatin extracted from pig skin or bones is commonly used in the production of pharmaceutical capsules, and insulin derived from pig pancreas has been used to treat diabetes. Certain enzymes, such as pepsin and trypsin, which are often extracted from pigs, are used in some digestive medications or as additives in the pharmaceutical industry. Pig skin is used in surgical procedures as burn grafts when suitable human alternatives are unavailable. Pork-derived substances are also used in the production of some vaccines and medical supplements. In addition, collagen and elastin are extracted from pig bones and skin.
Animal fatty acids are used in skin creams, toothpastes, soaps, perfumes, some waxes and refined oils, lipsticks, polishes, and skin oils. They are also used in the production of sweets, yogurt, cheese, chocolate, biscuits, and ice cream. Lard is used in the manufacture of baked goods, cakes, and pastries.
Pig fat, or tallow, is used in lubricants, machine parts, and in the production of certain types of glue, adhesives, and industrial paints. Pig ash or bones are used in refining some sugars, manufacturing glossy paper and printing inks, and even in certain tire materials and industrial belts. Pig hair is used to make paintbrushes and coloring brushes due to its durability. Pork products are also used in livestock feed, adding further challenges for those who follow religious dietary restrictions. In addition, pork fat is used to coat ammunition and bullets and to clean weapons and ammunition. Faced with this wide range of uses, a Muslim may feel overwhelmed and wonder “Where is the refuge?”.
By Ahmad alsarraf
email: [email protected]
email: [email protected]
