H1N1 a warning from Allah, State Mufti tells religious scholars

H1N1 is one of the many warnings from Allah so that mankind strengthen their faith and stay away from wrongdoings.

This was stated by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Aziz bin Juned in his keynote paper entitled "Influenza A (H1N1): Warning from Allah". His text of speech was read by the Deputy State Mufti, Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awg Hj Suhaili bin Awg Hj Mohiddin.

The matter was highlighted yesterday at a national seminar for religious scholars and experts on influenza A (H1N1).

H1N1 indicated, among other things, that the pig is a filthy animal which is 'haram' and a source of many diseases as stated in the Quran, he said.

The pig harbours many viruses and parasites that could not be destroyed even after the meat is cooked. The virus or parasite, if transmitted to humans, can cause many dangerous diseases like influenza A, Japanese B Encephalitis, Stomatitis, Mycorditis, Brucellosis and Leptospirosis, he said.

The State Mufti said that it is unfortunate that some pork products have penetrated the Islamic world without the knowledge of Muslims.

Pig-based ingredients are found in medicine, shoes, brushes, foods and equipments, he said. It is also used in cooking oils, soap and cosmetics.

Meanwhile, Dato Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Metussin bin Hj Baki, Syariah High Court Judge, highlighted the wisdom of forbidding pigs. He said in the Quran, the word pig is mentioned in four surahs, namely, al-baqarah (verses 173), al-maidah (verses 3), al-an'am (verses 145) and surah al-nahl (verses 115).

From the four surahs, Islamic scholars summarised that the pig is haram, forbidding pork not just for food but also for medical purposes. However, the prohibition is changing and it can become permissible such as in an emergency.

On pig organs and tissues, Imam Al-Qurtibi agreed with scholars who said that all parts of the pig's body are filthy except for its fur. However, many scholars, including Mazhab Syafie, forbid the use of pig fur.