What was the question again? Oh yes.. “Why do Muslims eat in a place that serves alcohol but not one that serves pork?”. This question was tweeted by Patrick Teoh very recently. A few have replied in a tweet.
I wanted to reply with a tweet. However, I think 140 characters will not be enough.
First, Mr Teoh, may I change the question a little bit to “Why are Some Muslims willing to eat in a place that serves alcohol but not one that serves pork?” There.. that’s a much better question because, a lot (perhaps a majority) of Muslims do not and will not eat nor drink at places that serves alcohol or pork.
Muslims and Alcohol
The general public surely knows that Islam forbids alcohol consumption. However, exposure to alcohol does not warrant for a tanning wash (Samak) that is required of exposure to pork. A normal wash with clean water and soap will suffice. That goes to all food utensils that are exposed to alcohol.
Truth is, Muslims are not encouraged (actually, closer to forbidden) to drink, eat or hang out in places where only alcohol is served. If the place serves regular food and drinks, we are permitted to eat and drink there.
Muslims and Pork
Islam forbids pork consumption. That I assume everyone knows. What many don’t know is that exposure to pork requires a thorough and complete tanning wash to clean up – Samak in Bahasa Malaysia. A normal clean water and soap wash is not sufficient. This is required on everything that is exposed to pork – transport, storage, knives, cups, glasses, plates, spoons, forks, etc.
That my friends and Patrick Teoh, is why some of these Muslims are willing to eat and drink in places where alcohol is served but not where pork is served. At least from my point of view as I don’t really know their actual reasons.
For me, given the only choice between a place that serves alcohol and a place that serves pork, I will choose the place that serves alcohol. However, today, there are just way too many options that does not serve any of them. So, really.. there really is no reason for Muslims to drink, dine or hangout in places that serves alcohol or pork.
Some say they are forced due to work or business commitment. Well, you surely can request that the business or work be done in some other location right? All you need to do is ask.. not too hard to do.
Now, a disclaimer.. I am not a scholar in Islamic Laws. My view comes from my somewhat limited search in Google and my existing knowledge. Get in touch with the many Islamic bodies available in Malaysia if you need detailed clarification about this.
If you are a scholar and have better knowledge about this than I do, please add to this article in the comments section below or put up a link to your content where you explain this in more detail. Insyallah ..
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