آموزش امت با معرفی اخلاق علوم زیستی اسلامی در ژنتیک و بیوتکنولوژی مدرن

The western is the well known pioneer of current genetic and modern biotechnology development. These technologies come as a package, promising various benefits along with the controversies on their possible risks and permissible status. Aiming at realizing Islamic worldview as a comprehensive approach to educate the ummah, Islamic bioethics could be promoted as a holistic and universal education platform to begin with. In this paper, the main sources of Islamic law are al-Quran and Sunnah, other Islamic sources like ijma’, together with Qawaid Fiqhiyyah and Maqasid al-Shariah will be applied in order to frame the Islamic bioethics guideline. This guideline can be used to educate the various level of society such as students, the public, the scientists, government regulatory officers and other related stakeholders. From this guideline, we will be able to see the comprehensive, practicality and applicability of Islamic law in welcoming the latest discovery of genetic and modern biotechnology. In conclusion, Islamic bioethics is the most suitable platform to educate and guide the society on the acceptability of current genetic and modern biotechnology development.

Modern biotechnology is the scientific application that is capable to improve living things and enhance their value (Wieczorek 2003). Today, this technology has reached a stage where scientists can take one or more specific genes from nearly any organism, including plants, animals, bacteria, or viruses and introduce those genes into another organism. This technology is called genetic engineering (WHO 2005). An organism that had been transformed using genetic engineering techniques is referred as a transgenic organism or genetically engineered organism (GMO) (WHO 2009). Everything in life has its’ own benefits and risks, and genetic engineering is no exception (Wieczorek 2003). Despite the potential benefits of genetic engineering of foods, the technology is surrounded by controversy. According to Twardowski (2008), when introducing new technology there will always be some controversies along with the benefits. Although the list of benefits concerning genetically modified food is long, for some people the list of concerns is much longer (Twardowski 2008). Thus, Uzogara (2000) had suggested creating ways of minimizing potential risks and maximizing the benefits of GM foods because the benefits of GM foods apparently far outweigh the risks.

Islam believes that Allah created mankind and already provided the laws and regulations comprising belief, laws and moral system that are suitable to be implemented by mankind to govern their lives. In this modern age, humans have to face many challenges in their life such as modern biotechnology issues. As Islam is a complete, dynamic and holistic religion, everything that happens definitely can be handled by Islamic ethics properly guided by verses from al-Quran, quotations from Sunnah and other Islamic sources. Akhlaq or ethics in Islam teaches human how to conduct in a good manner and shun the wrong. So, Islamic bioethics can provide the best solution as a guideline to govern modern biotechnology applications and products that can give benefits to everybody without harming anyone or anything.