Muslim Perspectives on Genetic Modification

“Muslims must connect scientific knowledge and ethical behavior based on faith”, says Fatima Agha Al-Hayani, a lecturer and court expert on Islamic Jurisprudence. In her paper, published in the March issue of the journal of religion and science Zygon, she discussed that biotechnology and genetic modification must neither be condemned nor praised. The technology she said is a responsibility that was given by God and accepted by humans, to be applied to the betterment of all.

Al-Hayani encouraged religious communities to be actively involved in the ethical issues of the genetic engineering process and the economic and equitable use of such process.
The technology offers promise to help those most in need and help prevent world hunger. It is estimated that there are about 1.3 billion people living in poverty worldwide.

For more information, Ms. F.A. Al-Hayani can be reached by email at alhayanis@buckeye-access.com.