The Status of Germ Line Gene Therapy: An Analysis from an Islamic Ethical Perspective

Authors

  • Zakiah Samori
  • Fadilah Abd Rahman

Abstract

Rapid development in the area of medical technological advancement has become increasingly important. As other medical advancement, human gene therapy trial and application has benefited mankind by successfully addressing a range of human genetics disease at the early stage. This therapy has offered a series of potential and successful treatment which gives new hopes to the patients. Nonetheless,  the emergence of  new technologies lead to contentious issues among physicians, scientist and Islamic scholar especially when it relates with ethical and religious position. It is believed that  the comprehensive framework of medical ethics based on the (Maqasid al-Shariyyah) and (Objectives of the Shariah) and QawaidFiqhiyyah (Islamic Legal msaxim) are the best approach to be adopted to deal with the issues.In view of the above, this paper attempts to analyze the Islamic conceptual framework with special focus on Germline Gene Therapy. This study would begin with highlighting on the scientific procedure and the potential uses of Germline Gene Therapy. The Islamic principles originate from the Qur'anic injunctions and tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) shall then systematically assessed. Its position is then analyzed within the comprehensive model of the Maqasid al- Syariyyah and the branches of QawaidFiqhiyyah (Islamic Legal Maxims) to draw the parameters of legislation on Germline Gene Therapy. The existing fatwas (Islamic verdict) from other countries shall then highlighted together with the stance of National Fatwa Council of Malaysia on the issue concerned. This study adopts qualitative method using content and doctrinal analysis approach. This study submits that the Islamic fundamental principles of medical ethics are pertinent to respond and maintain the flexibility to this new biomedical advance trial. It further concludes that Germline Gene Therapy isenot permissible (prohibited) in Islamic doctrine for few justifiable grounds. In Malaysia, Islam has been posits as the official religion as enshrined in Article 3 of the Malaysia Federal Constitution. Therefore, it is essentially important to provide the guidelines by developing a complementary framework of Germline Gene Therapy practices and application derived from Islamic perspective. This study propose that the Maqasid al-Syariyyah should be relied on as an effective approach and comprehensive checklist in addressing bioethical human gene therapy issues. However, the establishment of such framework should in concordance with international ethical on gene therapy as to embrace our holistic Islamic ethics globally.

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Published

2020-02-03

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Articles