Islam and Bioethics
Some of the most intensively and extensively debated issues include the human genome project, human cloning, reproductive technologies, surrogacy, abortion, euthanasia, organ transplantation, gene banks, cryopreservation of human bodies for resurrection, genetic engineering of plants and animals, consumption of products from cloned animals, bio-factories, evolutionary theories, and environmental conservation. There has been tremendous progress in the life sciences in the past two decades and life science advocates have promised immortal and ageless humans, cures for dreaded diseases, abundant human spare organs, and abundance of improved food for all. As a result, the 21st century is acclaimed to be the century of the life sciences. The progress in bio-medical (agricultural and medical) technologies in particular is directly touching the lives of both Muslim and non-Muslim communities alike more than any other era of human history because of the advanced information technologies coupled with aggressive marketing - propelled by an aggressive media. The advance in biomedicine has created high hopes for improving human life but it has also created a gamut of hotly debated social issues.
It is thus of utmost importance for us to fully understand the theological position of Muslims in bio-medical issues, since these technologies are putting to the test the very basic moral fabric of individuals, families, and communities. Besides, there is a heightened awareness and interest to learn the basic teachings of Islam most recently at a time when Islam is becoming a rapidly growing religion in many parts of the world. There is thus a need to provide background information on controversial issues, the views of different stakeholders (economic, political, and ideological interest groups), and the Islamic perspective through the views of Muslim scholars and scientists, and finally the stance of ordinary Muslims whose lives are increasingly being touched by modern bio-medical technologies.
Bio-medical issues are very complex because of the intricacy of the very nature of the technology, and the diversity of interest groups involved. Therefore, it is important to fully understand the technological, economical, political, and spiritual issues surrounding the life science controversies rather than issuing mere statements of halal or haram.
To overcome these drawbacks and to close the current knowledge-gap, the following actions are recommended:
1. Establishment of an independent Islamic bioethics panel to serve as an advisory panel to Islamic governments and communities. For the panel to be effective and efficient in handling issues, it should meet the following fundamental conditions:
It should be an interdisciplinary panel composed of respected Islamic Ulama, life science scientists, ethicists, educators, policymakers, lawyers, and community leaders. The panel members must also represent the diversity of Muslim communities all over the world.
The bioethics panel must be proactive, committed, credible, and visible in public arenas - both in Muslim and non-Muslim communities.
The panel’s views, declarations, memorandums, reports, and conference proceedings on bio-medical issues should be readily accessible to the general public and not kept on shelves.
2. Training of Muslim bio-ethicists. This new breed of professional should have broader training in ethics, life sciences, and Islamic law.
3. Incorporation of bio-medical issues in school curriculums in order to educate the younger generations. The Muslim youth is more technologically adept than older generations and they are more exposed to the current social issues through modern media. They need to have a comprehensive understanding of the impact of science and technology on their communities.
4. Community education through open and accessible public forums, debates, community presentations, online discussion groups, and the full utilization of both the broadcast (radio and TV) and print media (Internet, newspapers, magazines, books, etc).
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