MUSLIM PERSPECTIVES ON STEM CELL RESEARCH AND CLONING

Fatima Agha Al‐Hayani; Fatima Agha Al‐Hayani

doi:10.1111/j.1467-9744.2008.00960.x

Research Articles
MUSLIM PERSPECTIVES ON STEM CELL RESEARCH AND CLONING

Abstract

In Islam, the acquisition of knowledge is a form of worship. But human achievement must be exercised in conformity with God's will. Warnings against feelings of superiority often are coupled with the command to remain within the confines of God's laws and limits. Because of the fear of arrogance and disregard of the balance created by God, any new knowledge or discovery must be applied with careful consideration to maintaining balance in the creation. Knowledge must be applied to ascertain equity and justice for all of humanity. Research in Islam must be linked to the broad ethical base set forth in the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Whether embryonic stem cell research or cloning is ethically acceptable in Islam depends on the benefits derived from such applications. What is most important for the scholars is to adhere to the concepts of compassion, mercy, and benefit to everyone.

Keywords

Sunnah (supported statements and actions of the Prophet), biomedical ethics, Hadith (saying of the Prophet Muhammad), maslahah (consideration of public interest), fatwah (legal ruling of Muslim scholars), nutfah (zygote), Qur'an, stem cell research, Islamic Law, cloning, pursuit of knowledge, ijtihad (study of Islamic principles to derive legal opinions from the law)

How to Cite

Al‐Hayani, F., (2008) “MUSLIM PERSPECTIVES ON STEM CELL RESEARCH AND CLONING”, Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science 43(4), 783–795. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9744.2008.00960.x

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References

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Authors

Fatima Agha Al‐Hayani (Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science)

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Volume 43 • Issue 4 • December 2008

Publication details

Pages	783–795
Published on	2008-12-02

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9744.2008.00960.x

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