Page - 48 - in Hanadi & Christian - English

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 48 a good custom.“ says Hanadi, while she imagines her grandfather and Raul’s grandfather together with caps and football boots. “You are assuming that covering is what really matters, right?” says Raul. He looks like he is not sure if he could say this to his grandfather. “Well, well, let’s not beat around the bush. Where’s the food?” José jokes. “I hope we get some ham. Oh, no. We can’t have pork. Mohamed You still haven’t told us why you can’t eat pork. Did you ask your parents?” “I asked my dad and he told me that the prophet told us not to eat pork. In the old days, pigs caused several diseases so they were considered impure animals. We have to look after our bodies as well as our souls. In fact, it’s not just us Muslims who don’t eat pork. Nei- ther do Jews, and other religions also think it is impure meat.” “Okay, then it was a good reason, but could we say that is still a good reason with all the modern techniques we have that can help us make sure meat is safe to eat? ” says Bochdan. “And having more cultures or religions doing the same, could that be a good reason to keep it?” adds Elena. “Well, if it was decided by voting, having many people who agree would be reason enough, right? That’s how democracy works.” answers Hanadi “I think health is not the main reason anymore, or not everywhere. “So, what you do now is out of respect for your beliefs.” Elena says while looking at Bochdan. “These two like each other more and more every day.” I think to my- self while I watch how they look at each other. “Well, if we place body and soul on the same level, we could keep on saying that it’s a health issue and not only a custom, don’t you think? Pigs represent impurity, and the same goes for animals that eat carrion or animals that have been killed in a violent or inap- propriate way.” says Mohamed. “So that’s why there are special butchers for Muslims. In my coun- try, there are also people who follow certain rules and rituals before kill- ing an animal, like apologizing to the animal , and thanking it.” I say.