Zayn Malik was one of the standout members of the massively popular boy band One Direction. Along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne, Zayn catapulted to fame after One Direction was formed on the UK version of The X Factor in 2010. However, the singer quit the group in 2015 to pursue a solo career.
Many rumors have been spread over the years about different parts of Zayn’s life, such as what he eats. In particular, some people have asked if the pop star eats pork or follows a halal diet. Since Zayn grew up in a Muslim family, his upbringing probably had some effect on the food he chose. Let’s look more closely at what we know about Zayn Malik’s eating habits and what he thinks about eating pork.
Zayn’s Upbringing and Muslim Faith
Zayn Malik was born in Bradford England to a British-Pakistani father Yaser Malik, and an English mother, Trisha Malik, who converted to Islam upon marrying Yaser. During his upbringing, Zayn practiced Islam with his family, attending mosque and studying the Quran.
In Islam, pork is considered haram, or forbidden. The Quran expressly prohibits the consumption of pork in three separate verses:
“Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine…” (Quran 5:3)
“Say I find not in the message received by me by inspiration any (meat) forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be dead meat, or blood poured forth, or the flesh of swine,- for it is an abomination – or, what is impious, (meat) on which a name has been invoked, other than Allah’s” (Quran 6 145)
“He has forbidden you only the carrion and blood and the flesh of swine…” (Quran 16 115)
Therefore, as part of his Muslim upbringing, Zayn would have been taught to abstain from consuming pork and pork products.
Does Zayn Still Practice Islam?
However, in recent years, Zayn has made comments distancing himself from Islam. In a 2015 interview, he noted that he no longer considered himself a Muslim, saying “I don’t believe any of it. I’m not professed to be a Muslim.”
Zayn reiterated these sentiments in a 2018 interview with British Vogue, stating definitively “I’m not a practicing Muslim.” When asked if he would still identify as a Muslim, Zayn responded simply “No.”
He explained that he still has a “spiritual belief” in God but does not follow Islamic practices like prayer rituals or eating halal meat. Zayn added that dropping his Muslim faith after leaving One Direction was “really easy” and his family did not have an issue with it.
Does Zayn Eat Pork Now?
So given Zayn’s public disavowal of Islam, does this mean he now eats pork and other haram foods forbidden under Islamic law?
While Zayn has not directly stated whether or not he consumes pork, some clues indicate that he likely does not strictly follow a halal diet anymore.
In a 2013 interview, Zayn admitted he occasionally drinks alcohol and smokes cigarettes, both of which are prohibited in Islam. So Zayn has shown a willingness to diverge from some Islamic teachings.
Additionally, his girlfriend Gigi Hadid was photographed in 2016 carrying a box of pepperoni pizza outside Zayn’s apartment. Since pepperoni is made from pork, this suggests Zayn may not object to having pork products in his home.
Of course, it is certainly possible that Zayn still personally abstains from pork for cultural or health reasons, even if he no longer adheres to Islam doctrinally. Perhaps he does not eat pork but does not mind if others do so around him.
Ultimately, without a definitive statement from Zayn himself, we cannot say for certain whether or not he consumes pork now. But based on the available evidence and context, it seems plausible that the dietary restrictions of his upbringing may not strictly dictate his current diet.
Zayn’s Diet and Health Today
A few sources provide some insight into Zayn’s current diet beyond the question of pork consumption.
In his autobiography “Zayn,” the singer wrote that eating disorders and disordered eating negatively impacted his health while touring with One Direction. He said, “I’d just go for days – sometimes two or three days straight – without eating anything at all.”
Zayn also revealed that he now tries to eat foods that make him “feel good” and give him an “optimal level of energy.” He aims for a balanced diet high in items like salmon, vegetables, chicken, eggs, fruits, grains, and avocado.
The singer credits his model girlfriend Gigi Hadid with helping inspire him to develop healthier eating habits. In an interview, he stated, “She’s helped me to look at food as fuel and not emotional or social crutches.”
While touring, Zayn works with nutritionists and personal chefs to ensure he maintains a nutritious, sustainable diet that provides sufficient energy for his demanding performances. He snacks on foods like nuts, seeds, hard-boiled eggs, and protein shakes.
Though Zayn has not directly addressed whether or not he currently eats pork, his public rejection of Islam along with a few other clues suggest he likely does not follow Islamic diet restrictions anymore. However, Zayn seems mindful of nutrition and aims to eat a healthy, balanced diet these days, perhaps with some lingering influences from his upbringing.
Ultimately, unless Zayn explicitly states otherwise, his current dietary choices remain his private business. This analysis simply aims to piece together the available public information regarding how Zayn Malik’s background may or may not still shape his food choices today.
Zayn Malik Lets the Tears Flow While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones
FAQ
What is Zayn’s favorite food?
Is Zayn an Islamic name?
Are Zayn Malik’s eating disorder and anxiety demons of the past?
Pop star Zayn Malik says his eating disorder and anxiety are demons of the past thanks to some chill-out time at home.
Does Zayn eat a lot?
Well, for Zayn he once had an eating disorder. While there were days when he used to eat a lot, there were also days when he used to eat nothing. It took time, but Zayn finally came out of this disorder. He is otherwise a foodie to the core. And he loves his chicken a lot.
Is Zayn Malik a ‘demon of the past’?
Zayn Malik says his eating disorder and anxiety are now behind him and are “demons of the past” thanks to more time spent relaxing at home. The singer, 24, has spoken before about his mental health problems but has now confessed it was a “control thing”.
How did Zayn Malik overcome anxiety?
Part of overcoming his anxiety stemmed from going public with his struggles with an eating disorder, which he revealed in his autobiography, Zayn. He wrote in the memoir: “It wasn’t as though I had any concerns about my weight or anything like that; I’d just go for days—sometimes two or three days straight—without eating anything at all.