Malaysia: Dialogue Between Islamic Scholars and Scientists on Agribiotechnology

An international workshop for Islamic scholars on Islam and Agribiotechnology: Finding a Common Language between Ulama and Scientists was held at University Malaya from 14-15 July 2009. The workshop was organized by Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC), International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), Yayasan Ilmuwan, University Malaya, and COMSTECH. The workshop was attended by ulama and scientists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, and Egypt.

The workshop served as a platform to discuss Islam and agribiotechnology. Prominent ulama presented the views of Islam on GM food, the principles of Islam, and making decisions based on Quran, hadith and fundamentals of Ijtihad. The ulama too had an opportunity to learn about GM technology and food. Country reports were also presented on the status and acceptance of GM crops, the regulations and agencies in place to monitor the halal-ness of GM food. All delegates agreed that more dialogues of this nature should be organized, especially for ulama to understand the principles of molecular biology to enable them to make informed decisions on GM food. A set of recommendations on the way forward was drafted and is expected to be finalized and circulated to COMSTECH and national agencies in the Muslim world.

For more on the workshop email Mahaletchumy Arujanan of the Malaysian Biotechnology Centre at maha@bic.my.org.