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:

1. Safety and effectiveness should be accredited by relevant medical
2. To be used for medical purposes, such as preventing and treating genetic Using these techniques for aesthetic (ameliorative) purposes is strictly forbidden.
3. 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.