In the Name of Allāh,
the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
Praise is due to Allāh, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our master Muḥammad, the last of prophets, on his family, and all his companions.
Resolution No. 235 (6/24)
Human Genome and Future Bioengineering: Review of IIFA Resolutions, their Practical Results, Updates and Challenges
The Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, holding its 24th session in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 7–9 Rabīʿ al-Awwal 1440h (4–6 November 2019),
Having examined the research papers submitted to the Academy concerning the Human Genome and Future Bioengineering: Review of IIFA Resolutions, their Practical Results, Updates and Challenges,
Having listened to the in-depth discussions on the subject,
Resolves
First: confirmation of the Academy resolution no. 203 (9/21) on Heredity, Genetic Engineering and Human Genome, held at its 21st session in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 18–19 Muharam 1435 (22 November 2013).
Second: genome editing techniques (e.g. CRISPR-CAS 9) are modern tech- niques of genomic modification and genome editing, which utilize substitution or correction, resembling the method used in computer spell-checking; but in- stead of editing words, genome editing techniques rewrite DNA.
These techniques are more accurate and accessible than previous gene therapy techniques and aim to cure many incurable diseases. However, these techniques still need further research to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Genome editing would be allowed only if it fulfils the following conditions:
- Safety and effectiveness should be accredited by relevant medical
- To be used for medical purposes, such as preventing and treating genetic Using these techniques for aesthetic (ameliorative) purposes is strictly forbidden.
- Requiring stringent regulatory procedures to ensure genome editing pa- tients’ dignity and prevent abuse of these techniques.
Third: Mitochondrial Transfer Technique. Given the confounding of kin- ships (ikhtilāṭ al-ansāb) that this entails, it is prohibited in Shariah to transfer mitochondria (i.e. the cell energy generator) of the egg cell of a healthy woman with its DNA to a woman suffering from mitochondria DNA lesion by using the mitochondrial technique for the purpose of producing a healthier child as it may also cause an incurable disease, as well as the confounding of kinships mentioned above.
Indeed, Allāh is All-Knowing.
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Secretary‑General of the Academy Visits the Consulate General of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan His Excellency Professor Dr. Qutb Mustafa Sano, Secretary‑General of the Academy, paid an official visit on 29 Sha‘ban 1447 AH, corresponding to 17 February 2026, to the Consulate General of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Jeddah. His Excellency and his accompanying delegation were received by His Excellency Ambassador Mohammed Salah Sobhi Hameed, Consul General and Permanent Representative of Jordan to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, who welcomed him warmly and expressed his pleasure at the visit. He praised the distinguished intellectual efforts undertaken by the Academy under His Excellency’s leadership in addressing numerous religious and intellectual issues of concern to the Islamic world, affirming his personal honor in meeting His Excellency again and Jordan’s keenness to strengthen channels of communication and cooperation with the Academy, especially in areas of mutual interest. For his part, His Excellency expressed his deep gratitude and great appreciation to the Ambassador for the warm reception and generous hospitality. He commended the tremendous support, gracious care, and continuous attention the Academy has received from the leadership and people of Jordan since its establishment. He also conveyed his sincere appreciation for the Ambassador’s recent visit to the Academy, affirming the Academy’s full readiness to do everything that would enhance partnership, cooperation, coordination, and communication between the Academy and Jordanian religious and academic institutions. His Excellency was accompanied by Mr. Mohammed Al‑Mundhir Rida Al‑Shawk, Director of the Office and Protocol; Mr. Mohammed Waleed Al‑Idrisi, Director of Media and Public Relations; Ms. Sarah Amjad Badawi, Director of the Department of Family, Women, Children, and the Elderly; and Mr. Amjad Ibrahim Al‑Mansi, Head of the Protocol Section.
