Genomics from an Islamic Perspective: The Difficult Questions

Abstract

The science of genetics is considered a modern field. Genomics is even more modern, and is undergoing very rapid development. Its standards are still the subject of fierce debate and discussion between professionals, and unsurprisingly, many non-professionals struggle to keep up with the latest developments and their ethical consequences. Muslim religious scholars are no exception to this general rule – indeed, their lack of knowledge is worsened by the lack of opportunities to discuss the ethical questions raised by the field with high-level specialist experts. Given the weight of religious rulings and their influence in ethical debates in Islamic countries, the fast pace of developments in the field of genomics, and the latter's increasing relevance to human health science, it is of great importance to develop innovative models to incorporate Muslim scholars' opinions when appropriate and after they acquire sufficient information about the related scientific background. This paper thus presents important aspects of genomics pertaining to health and sickness, and tries to cast light on the accompanying ethical questions that it is hoped will lead to broad and long-term discussions starting with the seminar held by the Research Centre for Islamic Legislation and Ethics.