Pork In Afghanistan: A Cultural And Religious Perspective

Afghanistan is a predominantly Islamic country, and as such, eating pork is considered haram, or forbidden. In fact, one interpretation of Islamic belief forbids even touching pigs. As a result, there are no pigs reared or farmed in Afghanistan, and the only pig in the country lives in Kabul Zoo. This pig, named Khanzir, which means pig in Pashto, was gifted to the zoo by China in 2002, along with a female pig and a pair of brown bears. Although Khanzir's mate and their litter of piglets were killed in a bear attack in 2006, Khanzir remains a beloved resident of the zoo, cared for by his keepers, who insist that although caring for a pig goes against their religious beliefs, it is not a bad thing.

In Afghanistan, eating pork is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam

> "Forbidden to you are carrion, blood, and swine; what is slaughtered in the name of any other than Allah; what is killed by strangling, beating, a fall, or by being gored to death; what is partly eaten by a predator unless you slaughter it; and what is sacrificed on altars."

Additionally, the Hadith, a collection of sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, also emphasises the prohibition of pork consumption. According to one of the Hadith:

> "Allah forbade wine and the price paid for it, forbade dead meat and the price paid for it, and forbade swine and the price paid for it."

The consumption of pork is deemed haram due to a combination of spiritual, cultural, and health reasons. From a spiritual perspective, consuming pork is believed to taint spiritual purity and distance one's connection with Allah. Culturally, pigs are considered unclean due to their feeding habits, as they are known to eat carrion, refuse, and their own excrement. This is deemed unacceptable in Islam, which places a strong emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene.

Furthermore, there are several health risks associated with consuming pork. Pigs are susceptible to harmful bacterial diseases, such as tapeworm and trichinosis, and can carry parasites that can be transferred to humans through consumption. Additionally, pork has a higher fat content compared to other meats, contributing to health issues like obesity, heart disease, and cholesterol imbalances.

The prohibition of pork consumption in Afghanistan is taken seriously, and it is considered extremely inappropriate to offer pork or pork by-products, such as gelatine, to Muslim Afghans.

One interpretation of this belief forbids even touching the animal

Afghanistan is a predominantly Islamic country, and as in most Islamic nations, eating pork is considered haram, or forbidden. This belief is based on the interpretation of certain passages in the Quran, the Islamic holy book. One interpretation of this belief goes beyond just avoiding the consumption of pork and forbids even touching the animal. As a result of this interpretation, no pigs are reared or farmed in Afghanistan. The country's mountainous terrain also makes it unsuitable for domestic pigs.

This interpretation of Islamic beliefs has led to a complete absence of pigs in Afghanistan, to the extent that most Afghans have never seen a pig in their lives. In fact, there was only one pig in the entire country, named Khanzir, who lived in the Kabul Zoo. Khanzir gained celebrity status due to being the only pig in Afghanistan, and his name simply means "pig" in Pashto, one of the national languages of the country.

The presence of Khanzir in the zoo sparked some controversy, especially during the 2009 swine flu epidemic when there were calls for his ouster, or even euthanization, out of fear of the disease spreading in the war-torn country. However, zoo authorities quarantined him for a few weeks, and he eventually remained at the zoo.

Khanzir's story also highlights the interpretation of Islamic beliefs regarding pork. While some may interpret the prohibition as extending to even touching the animal, those caring for Khanzir at the zoo did not view it as a contradiction to their religious beliefs. Shah Barat, a longtime caretaker at the zoo, expressed that while it is haram, it is not considered a bad thing in the context of a zoo, and he did not feel that it went against his faith.

The interpretation of Islamic teachings on pork varies, and while some Afghans may strictly avoid even touching pigs, others may have a more flexible perspective, especially in the context of a zoo or a non-Muslim Afghan refugee trying pork in a foreign land.

In 2009, Afghanistan's only pig, Khanzir, was quarantined due to swine flu

In 2009, Afghanistan's only pig was quarantined due to swine flu. Named Khanzir, the Arabic word for pig, he was given to Kabul Zoo by China in 2002. Khanzir was quarantined for a few weeks, or two months, due to fears that he could spread the H1N1 flu strain, also known as swine flu.

At the time, there was a worldwide outbreak of influenza A (H1N1), and some visitors to the zoo were concerned that Khanzir could infect them with the virus. The director of Kabul Zoo, Aziz Gul Saqib, explained that the pig was healthy, and that the quarantine was due to the public's lack of knowledge about swine flu. He said:

> "We understand that, but most people don't have enough knowledge. When they see the pig in the cage they get worried and think that they could get ill."

Khanzir was eventually released from quarantine and allowed to return to his enclosure, where he remains a popular attraction.

Afghans resettling in foreign countries may accidentally eat pork

Afghanistan is a predominantly Islamic country, and as in most Islamic nations, eating pork is considered haram, or forbidden. In fact, one interpretation of this belief forbids even touching pigs. As a result, no pigs are reared or farmed in Afghanistan.

In Ghilzai's story, the refugees are reassured by another Afghan refugee that unknowingly eating pork is not a sin in the eyes of Allah. However, this may not be the consensus view among Muslims, and Afghans who accidentally eat pork may experience guilt or shame.

Afghans take great pride in their hospitality and hosting guests

Afghans are well-known for their hospitality and take great pride in it. Hospitality is a core trait of Afghan people, and even the poorest refugees will offer everything they have to a guest. In Afghanistan, it is considered an honour to host guests.

Afghans are very friendly and hospitable, and this is partly due to the influence of Islam, which obliges Muslims to treat others as they themselves would like to be treated. In Islam, hospitality is a great virtue, and Muslims are commanded by God to be hospitable to neighbours and guests. The Prophet Muhammad used to honour his guests, offering them his cushion and insisting that they accept it.

In Afghanistan, if you knock on someone's door, they will invite you in and share food and space with you, even if you are a complete stranger. Afghans will provide you with protection if you seek refuge with them, even if it means breaking the law or risking their lives. Denying a guest shelter and protection is considered disrespectful and shameful. This tradition is not limited to individuals or families but can be exercised even at the country level.

Afghans will offer you tea and sweets as a mark of friendship. It is important to accept any refreshment offered to you as non-acceptance would be highly offensive. As a guest, you can expect to be offered the best of everything, including the best cut of meat and the best silverware. Even the poorest family will go to great lengths to make a guest feel welcome.

In Afghanistan, people generally extend an offer multiple times. It is expected that you politely decline the gesture initially before accepting on the third offer. This exchange is polite as the insistence to extend the invitation shows hospitality, and the initial refusal to accept shows humbleness.

Inviting someone into your home is very significant in Afghan culture. There is a Dari phrase, 'raft oh amad', which translates to 'coming and going'. It means that you have a meaningful friendship where you visit one another, check in on one another, give to and receive from one another.

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