Islamic Perspective On Genetic Engineering

Abstract

Genetic engineering and its advancements find themselves occupied in a heated discussion impacting science, economics, politics, and religious aspects directly or indirectly. This research aims to better comprehend the role of genetic engineering especially in the field of agriculture, therapeutic, stem cells, and creation of human cloning from an Islāmic perspective, and understand the role of the Muslim world in genetic engineering. This paper will help understand what genetic engineering is, how it has changed over time, what is genetically modified (GMO) food and crops, stem cells, and human cloning, and their pros and cons with respect to the ethical, moral, and religious aspects. As a benchmark for the Muslim world, some regulations on genetic engineering by global international bodies are discussed. Finally, some recommendations for scientists from the Muslim world and policymakers in also proposed. Genetic engineering and its domains, such as GMO crops; stem cells; and human cloning, are still nascent, involving many ethical and religious arguments. Hence the author aims at drawing the best conclusions as per her understanding of the subject while acknowledging that further research by Islāmic scholars and scientists is required to derive the most appropriate religious aspects. This paper will help lead to a further in-depth analysis of genetic engineering. In general, genetic engineering used in agriculture and adult stem cells is acceptable in Islām but with strict conditions. Human embryonic stem cells and human cloning are still in their infancy stage of development and are highly controversial matters. But in general, they conflict with some of the Islāmic principles, hence deemed unacceptable. The source of materials, procedures, and analytical methods used in this thesis is from a knowledge repository of several authentic resources compiled by the author. These include authentic websites, published papers, articles, journals, books, and interviews (written communication). This research produced some major implications that will help the reader grasp the concept of genetic engineering from an Islāmic perspective and open new doors of arguments and discussion. This research will facilitate in-depth research into the topic to derive unbiased conclusions.