Only Four Meats Prohibited (5:3)

Only Four Meats Prohibited “Animals that die of themselves” Defined

5:3 Prohibited for you are animals that die of themselves, blood, the meat of pigs,* and animals dedicated to other than GOD. (Animals that die of themselves include those) strangled, struck with an object, fallen from a height, gored, attacked by a wild animal – unless you save your animal before it dies – and animals sacrificed on altars. Also prohibited is dividing the meat through a game of chance; this is an abomination. Today, the disbelievers have given up concerning (the eradication of) your religion; do not fear them and fear Me instead. Today, I have completed your religion, perfected My blessing upon you, and I have decreed Submission as the religion for you. If one is forced by famine (to eat prohibited food), without being deliberately sinful, then GOD is Forgiver, Merciful.

*5:3 The “meat” of the pig is prohibited, not the “fat.” Anything that is not specifically prohibited in the Quran must be considered lawful. See 6:145-146.