Genomics from an Islamic Perspective: Difficult Questions Second Comment: Muhammad Na’im Yassin

Abstract

This comment aims to consider answers to questions raised by new discoveries regarding the importance of the contents of human cells, i.e. the genome, raised by Dr. Fowzan Sami Alkuraya on the basis of his own research and experience as well as his knowledge of the culture of Islamic societies. All that it seeks to do is clarify the provisions of the Shari'a on certain practices pertaining to these discoveries or their ramifications. This research consists of twenty questions that might be considered in all of the new inventions that have not yet been dealt with by any jurisprudential text. The answers to most of these questions are based on general Sharia, and are arrived at by reference to maqasid. Dr. Alkuraya's work also includes a collection of questions concerning genetic practices relating to human foetuses.