I said to Abi Ja`far Muhammad b. `Ali al-Baqir (as): Why did Allah prohibit carrion, blood, pork, and wine? So, he said: Surely, Allah did not prohibit this for His servants, but [rather] He permitted everything else for them out of desire for what was made lawful for them. There is no discipline (zuhd) in what was prohibited for them. Rather, He created the creation, and He knew what would strengthen their bodies and what would rectify them, so He made that lawful and permitted for them; and He knew what would harm them, so He prohibited that from them. Then, he made those things permissible for those in a desperate situation, in which their bodies would not be strengthened except through them. So, He only permitted the quantity sufficient [to stay alive] and not more than that. Then, he (as) said: As for carrion, none consume it except that it weakens their body, diminishes their strength, and cuts off his offspring. A consumer of carrion does not die except suddenly. As for blood, its consumption causes yellow urine, kidney disease, the hardening of the heart, and the deterioration of kindness and mercy – so their partner and companions will not be safe from them. As for pork, Allah transfigured a people into different forms in the likeness of swine, monkeys, and bears. Then, He prohibited consuming that likeness so that one may not seek benefit from it or underestimate its punishment. As for wine, its prohibition is due to its affect and its corruption. Then, he (as) said: Surely, the wine addict is like the worshiper of idols. It causes trembling and it diminishes masculinity. It causes a person to dare to commit unlawful things, from the shedding of blood to adultery – to the point where his female relatives are unsafe from him when he is drunk and not comprehending [what he is doing]. Wine does not increase anything for its drinker except in every evil.