Why is Islam So "Restrictive?”
- Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow
- Sep 21, 2020
- 4 min read
By Sofia Usmani
Living in an American society, the rules that come with Islam can feel confining and restrictive because of how differently everyone else lives. But would it be so hard to believe that through these “restrictions,” Islam is actually encouraging a healthier and more fulfilling life?
Muslims cannot eat pork, drink alcohol, get tattoos, gamble, eat with their left hand, believe in horoscopes, gossip, and much more. While a lot of them are justified because they are morally correct (eg. no stealing, murder, or bribery), some of them can sound a little unfounded. On the surface, Islam might look like a bunch of rules and restrictions, however, in actuality, Islam is not a restrictive religion at all. They may seem that way, but we have to understand that any prohibitions that are in Islam are there to benefit us. This Dunya is a test and Allah (SWT) would not give us rulings that do not serve a purpose. There is always a blessing behind the rules we follow. Here are a few examples that highlight just that:
Pork
The most famous example of Islamic dietary restrictions is of pork. In the Quran, it states that “Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah.” [Al-Qur’an 5:3]. What could be so bad about the meat of pigs that we are explicitly told to avoid it? Research has shown that consuming pork can expose people to several diseases including roundworm, pinworm, and hookworm. This is most likely because pigs are often kept in congested sites where they are consuming a lot of filth. The meat itself has high fat content which can cause hypertension and even heart attacks. With the help of modern science, it is clear why this rule was put into place. Allah (SWT) wants us to take care of our bodies, and that means feeding it with clean and nutritious foods.
Intoxicants
Drinking alcohol is a popular form of intoxication that is consumed by people from many cultures and religions. Its prevalence at celebrations and gatherings shows that it is seen as a way to get loose and have fun. Alcohol may not be inherently bad, but its effect on the brain is a proven negative. The consumption of alcohol clouds judgment and makes it difficult to differentiate between right and wrong. Rational thought and good judgment are important parts of our faith, and intoxicants jeopardize these values. Alcohol and drugs impair one’s health and contribution to the community, making it forbidden.
Praying
Although not a restriction, performing wudu and praying five times a day can sound like a lot of work/effort to some people. Instead of explaining the literal reasons of why we have to do these things, it is better to look at the benefits of these actions in our daily lives to understand how they help us at the core of our being.
Cleanliness is an important step before prayer. The simple and certain act of performing wudu before prayer is a very healthy habit. When you rinse your mouth during wudu several times a day, it protects you from teeth problems. Similarly, washing your hands throughout the day keeps us safe from the germs we come in contact with when we touch things. Our blood circulation is increased when we run water over our arms and feet, making us more mobile and active. And after this we pray; a form of mindfulness, a practice that improves our physical and mental health. Mindfulness can relieve stress, treat heart disease, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep. It is a blessing that we are commanded to take time out of our day to reflect and connect with Allah (SWT). It is NOT a burden! Hopefully now the next time you roll open your prayer mat, you see it in a new light.
Final Thoughts
As I hope you have seen from this article, the restrictions that do exist within Islam are more than strict rules to follow. There are many spiritual and physical benefits to an Islamic way of life that we don't always take the time to appreciate. We must trust that Allah (SWT) has the best planned for us and understand that everything we practice has a purpose. We encourage you to do a little research on a ruling or restriction which you may find unreasonable or unfair to learn a little more of why and how it came to be, for surely you will find that there is much more to it than unjustness. Surely everything that the Almighty has done for us has a greater meaning and to Him is who we will return. May Allah (SWT) keep us all in good health and bring us closer to Him by learning more about our faith.
Sources
“Benefits of Mindfulness.” HelpGuide.org, www.helpguide.org/harvard/benefits-of-
Posts, Related. “Importance of Wudu: Significance and Benefits in the Light of Quran and Hadith.”
Islamic Articles, 17 Apr. 2018, www.quranreading.com/blog/importance-of-wudu-
Tech@whyislam.org. “Why Do Muslims Abstain from Pork?” WHY, 1 Dec. 2017,
Zaufishan. “Why Muslims Don't Drink Alcohol.” Green Prophet, 16 June 2020,
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