Carrion, as we have already explained, is any animal that dies without the lawful ritual slaughter.

“Forbidden to you are carrion and blood.” Here the word blood is unrestricted, but a second verse qualifies it with the word “spilled,” for Allah says, “I do not find in what has been revealed to me anything forbidden to a person who wishes to eat, except it be carrion or spilled blood” (6:145).

What is meant is the blood that flows from the animal at the moment of slaughter and gushes from its jugular veins. The blood that remains in the veins and flesh after slaughter is excused; there is no harm in eating it together with the meat.

An exception is made for two kinds of blood, mentioned earlier in the ḥadīth: “Two kinds of carrion and two kinds of blood have been made lawful for us; the two kinds of blood are the liver and the spleen.” Thus blood—meaning spilled blood—is forbidden, whereas the residual blood that stays in the veins after slaughter and in the meat is pardoned, as are the two organs singled out by the ḥadīth: the liver and the spleen.

“And the flesh of swine.” The pig is a creature known for its filth and baseness. Allah has prohibited its meat because of the severe harm and dangerous diseases it carries, as medical experts affirm. The pig hosts serious pathogens and illnesses that have already been discovered and continue to be discovered. Exalted is Allah; He forbids His servants only what is harmful to them.

“And whatever has been dedicated to other than Allah.” This refers to an animal slaughtered as an act of devotion to anything besides Allah—idols and all other objects of worship—as well as any animal over which a name other than Allah’s is pronounced at the time of slaughter.