Islam on Stem Cell Research
Published by Haseeb July 7th, 2005 in Islam, Science/MedicineA recent, yet to be published article from the Journal of Medical Ethics by Dr. Sahin Aksoy discusses the ethics of stem cell research in Islam in particular. It cites primary Islamic sources (from the quran and sunnah) in his attempt to show why in fact cell stem research is permissable in Islam. More generally, and in my opinion, more importantly, explaining the methodology of the legislation behind makind such a ruling or regulation in Islam.
The article is well written, as it gives a good overview of Islam and key definitions and terms for its non-muslim majority readership.
The key issue at the heart of the debate can be summarized in the following excerpt:
Although the use of adult stem cells has great potential for the future raises very few moral objections, the current sources of stem cells for experimentation are mostly embryonic and fetal material. Therefore the moral status of embryo is at the heart of the discussion.
Is the embryo simply a ball of cells (any research is permissable) or a ‘living’ precursor of life (and therefore research impermissible)? Now, using hadith and Quran (read article for primary sources), he has established that
It can be understood from these verses and hadith that, in order to receive the soul, that means to be a full human individual person, a prenate must pass through the various stages of conception: zygote (nutfa); implantation (‘alaqa); formation of somites—the appearance of the primitive streak—(mudgha), and the beginning of the formation of bone and muscles. …
And then using modern day physiological evidence regarding the embryological stages he has suggested that “ensoulment takes place
sometime between 49 and 55 days after conception”. Therefore according to this article, the Islamic ruling is that “terminating the life of an embryo before ensoulment is regarded as something to be disliked (makruh), while it is considered as forbidden (haram), after this stage.
And, as far as stem cell research is concerned, while adult stem cell research is allowable (and actually praiseworthy, for its goal of providing health benefit), the use of fetal stem cells is dependent on the age of the fetus, as discussed earlier. The use of embryonic stem cells is dependent on how the embryos are produced. His stance on this source differs from that Islamic Fiqh Association’s, and he gives his reasoning for that. Overall it is an interesting read, particularly for Muslims.
To read the article in its entirety, Click here (.pdf format)
This is interesting but I’m not sure I understand. If one aborts before the 45th day , its mukrah (like eating lobster)? But I always heard that abortion was really bad so does this mean that aborting before the 45th day or morning after pills are not actually haram??
Abortion is haraam (except if the mother’s life is at stake or if keeping the child is harmful for the health of the mother). I believe this is haraam even before the soul enters the embryo. However, it is considered murder after this ensouling and not techinically murder before. However both are impermissable.
For a detailed answer, i recommend u ask sunnipath.com (or search their archive of questions as it may already be answered there).
salaam alaykum haseeb long time no talk…anyways interesting article…his points are simple and clear cut…as long as there is no soul in the fetus i think that its ok to use its stem cells…but if its after ensoulment then the docs should move on to the next baby…take care
is abortion haram if the mother isn’t married? i understand getting pregnant in the first place would be wrong, but then is she allowed to terminate the pregnancy?
this isnt a islam q&a site,
ask sunnipath.com for those types of questions
however, i believe 2 haraam actions dont make something halal; so i believe the answer would be no (Except if it was due to a rape i think) - again check sunnipath or ask a scholar.
wut kind of a rude answer is that? with that kind of attitude, noone’s gunna come by this site anymore!
werd this sites got no game
….If a person has abortion and they’re not married…commen sense tells me that it is even MORE unacceptable both MORALLY and ISLAMICALLY!!!!! Two wrongs DONT make a right!!!! Becoming pregnant unmarried is lyk a consequence for an action that had been (in most cases) taken with a free will, thus, considering ‘abortion’ as an option to escape from it, is obviously wrong!!!! Its like getting a speeding, obtaining a fine and then asking if its okay if you dont pay…..
That was my opinion….
Warning: dont trust 15 year olds who have nothing beta to do then spend all day online and call themselves Talking Lama!!!!!!!
Do the rigth thing: Ask a scholar!!!
To : KohiNOOR:
Wat kind of ‘rude’ comment was that?!?!?!?! There was no attitude detected….only an honest answer to (what i consider to be) a stupid question!!!!
…and by ‘no-one’ coming to this site???? (raised eyebrow) i believe that i am speaking on behalf of everyone when i say….speak for yourself!!!!!!!
Salam
….. Just remembered something, in my Islamic Studies class….if u are pregnant and unmarried, then ur meant to be lyk (in most cases) executed…
….so, ummm…looks lyk theres no time to consider abortion!!!!!!
Although the Prophet (SAW) who was approached by a pregnant unmarried woman seeking to be forgiven and willing to be punishment, was told by the prophet to have her child and wait till he/she was strong before she was punished. (Recollection from Islamic class discussions!!!)
Moral of the story: Dont get pregnant while unmarried…unless ur willing to be executed….
Again, seek further info from Islamic websites, coz i stand to be corrected….Advice: Don’t trust Talking Lama’s that write vague, information recollected from School !!!!!!
in response to talking lama….talking lamas are bad, islamic websites are good because you can always trust whats on the web…if it says bismillahirahmaniraheem on a website then what they say has got to be true
Not all Islamic sites are the same. And not all sites with bismillah are good… for example, some terrorist sites put that up… :\
I agree - I would actually be hesitant before trusting anything on the web that claims to be an “Islamic website”
I was really appreceating your comments about my article. But you lead somewhere else. Go back to track.
;( :s
(6) 
0==(D) :dizzy: 
i found your aticle very disturbing - i am a habibi, and eat fried embyro for breakfast your website makes me sick ..im very disapointed in the content.
yours sincerly
habibi taliban