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5. Prohibition of Pork

QUR’ANIC Verses: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:173) “He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], nei­ther desiring [it] nor trans­gressing [its limit]—then there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merci­ful.”

Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3) “Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah.”

Explanation:

Pork is prohibited because of its impurity and harmful health effects.

However, if a person is starving and has no other food, they may consume it only to survive.

6. Prohibition of Backbiting and Slander

Qur’anic Verses: Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12) “O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or back­bite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of Repentance and Merciful.”

Explanation:

Backbiting is equated to eating the flesh of one’s dead brother, showing how detest­able it is.

Islam emphasises honesty, sincerity, and respect in social relations.

7. Prohibition of Eating Dead Animals and Blood

Qur’anic Verses: Surah Al- Ma’idah (5:3) “Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah.”

Explanation:

• Eating dead animals (carrion) and blood can lead to diseases and spiritual impu­rity.

• Islam promotes halal slaughter to ensure that food is ethically sourced and pure.

The Qur’an’s Guidance on Worship

The Qur’an instructs Mus­lims on how to worship Allah correctly:

• Salah (Prayer): Establishing regular prayers five times a day is a direct command from Allah (Qur’an 11:114).

• Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of one’s wealth to the poor purifies one’s wealth and soul (Qur’an 2:110).

• Sawm (Fasting): The obligation of fasting in Rama­dan is emphasised to cultivate self-discipline and gratitude (Qur’an 2:183).

• Hajj (Pilgrimage): Per­forming Hajj is an obligation upon those who can afford it (Qur’an 2:196).

These acts of worship strengthen the believer’s con­nection with Allah.

The Quran Shows the Boundless Mercy of Allah

“Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Qur’an 39:53

Explanation of the Verse: A Call to All Sinners

Allah addresses His servants who have committed exces­sive sins and urges them not to despair. The phrase (O My servants) reflects Allah’s love and care, even for those who have sinned greatly.

Hope and Mercy

Do not despair of the mercy of Allah) is a direct command from Allah, instructing believ­ers never to lose hope in His forgiveness, no matter how many sins they have commit­ted.

Allah Forgives All Sins

(Indeed, Allah forgives all sins) means that no sin is too great for Allah’s mercy—ex­cept shirk (associating part­ners with Allah) if one dies in that state without repentance (Qur’an 4:48).

The Quran and Allah’s At­tributes of Forgiveness

The verse ends with “(In­deed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful).

Al-Ghafūr: The One who completely forgives all sins, no matter how great.

Ar-Raīm: The One who con­tinuously showers His mercy upon His creation.

The Quran and Afterlife: Paradise and Hellfire

The Qur’an describes the consequences of actions in the afterlife:

• The Righteous will en­joy eternal bliss in Paradise:

“Gardens beneath which riv­ers flow, wherein they abide eternally…” (Qur’an 9:72).

• The Wrongdoers will face severe punishment in Hell:

“And fear the Fire, which has been prepared for the dis­believers.” (Qur’an 3:131).

This serves as a reminder to live a righteous life.

Conclusion: The Qur’an beyond Ramadan

The Qur’an is not just for Ramadan; it is a lifelong com­panion. The Prophet Muham­mad said:

“The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5027).

Every Muslim should recite, reflect upon, and apply the teachings of the Qur’an daily to attain the pleasure of Allah and ultimate success in the Hereafter.

I also urge all human beings to quickly grab a copy of the Quran from a nearby Islamic bookshop or an Imam. Thank you.

* The writer is the Metro­politan Chief Imam of Kpone Katamanso

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author