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Today's Topic: Islam Says About Genetic Engineering
"Praise and glory to Allah (he who said) in his exalted book : ( Say: If the whole of mankind
and jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Quran , they could not produce
the like thereof , even if they backed up each other with help and support )"
(Al-isra: 88)
The science of genetics has opened up tremendous scientific avenues and potential applications with respect to the shaping of the present and future of mankind. The reading of the human gene by mapping out the full human genes is part of man’s endeavor to understand himself and appreciate God’s powers of creation, as outlined in the Quran (Fussilat 41:53).
"We shall show them Our portents on the horizons and within themselves until it will be manifest unto them that it is the Truth. Doth not thy Lord suffice, since He is Witness over all things?"
Genetic engineering represents a valuable addition to medical and health sciences in their pursuit of preventing certain diseases and treating them, which Islam encourages and recognizes.
Genetics engineering allows an increase in awareness of genetic disease and seeks to prevent their spread. For instance, ADRs can be avoided if patients early know the types of drugs which can affect their body systems (Anne Lee, 2005).
It is valid in Islam as long as genetic engineering does not mean for changing the human genetic constitution. Allah has created man in the best form and elevated him above all other creatures. Al-Quran mentioned in surah al-Tin,
“Surely We created man of the best stature”. (95:4)
Any tempering with man’s basic constituents or subjecting his body to aimless genetic engineering experimentation would therefore be in violation of man’s God-given dignity, as asserted by the Quran (al-Isra 17:70).
"Verily We have honoured the children of Adam. We carry them on the land and the sea, and have made provision of good things for them, and have preferred them above many of those whom We created with a marked preferment"
Despite all that has been said about genetic engineering, Islam is a religion of knowledge and science, as confirmed in the Quran (al-Zumour 39:9), which imposes no restrictions on constructive scientific research. Thus, like any other field of knowledge, genetic science, and all its consequences are encouraged and supported by Islam. One thing that we have to take a note, Muslim scientists should be at the fore-front of research and inquiry in this field. The outcome and the conclusion from such research should not, however, be implemented before having considered the Islamic legal principles which must not be violated. In doing so, the Muslim communities are being reminded that Islam stresses on a person’s rights, dignity, and health benefits that must be respected and prioritized at all times.
