In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon our master Muhammad, the seal of prophets, on his family, and all his companions
Resolution No. 235 (6/24)
on
The Human Genome and Future Bioengineering :
IIFA Resolutions Review,
Presentation of Practical Results, Novel Developments and Challenges
The Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in its twenty-fourth session in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), on 7-9 Rabi’ al-Awal 1440, corresponding to 4-6 November 2019,
Having reviewed the research papers submitted to the Academy on the subject of The Human Genome and Future Bioengineering: IIFA Resolutions Review, Presentation of Practical Results, Novel Developments and Challenges.
Having listened to the extensive discussions on the subject,
Resolves the following
First, confirmation of the IIFA resolution no. 203 (9/21) on Genetics, Bioengineering and the Human Genome, held at its twenty-first session in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 18-19 Muharam 1435, corresponding to 22 November 2013.
Second, genome editing techniques (e.g. CRISPR-CAS 9) are modern techniques of genomic modification and genome editing, which utilize substitution or correction, resembling to the method used in computer spell-checking; but instead of editing words, genome editing techniques rewrite DNA.
These techniques are more accurate and accessible compared to previous gene therapy techniques and aim to cure many incurable diseases. However, these techniques need further research to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Genome editing would be allowed only if it fulfils the following conditions:
- Safety and effectiveness accredited by relevant medical references.
- To be used for medical purposes, such as preventing and treating genetic diseases. Using these techniques for aesthetic (ameliorative) purposes is strictly forbidden.
- Requiring stringent regulatory procedures to ensure the dignity of genome editing patients and to prevent abuse of these techniques.
Third, given ikhtilat al-ansab (confounding of kinships) that this entails, it is prohibited in Shariah to use the mitochondrial technique (i.e. the cell energy generator) to produce a healthier child, by transferring the egg cell of a healthy woman with its DNA to a woman suffering from mitochondria DNA lesions, which causes an incurable disease.
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