Islamic ethical principles and stem cell research

Abstract

Stem cell is one of the most controversial issues in the world today. It is seen as one of the most significant discoveries of the century. Yet, its potentials are not even close to realization. Despite its potentials one wonders why it remains very controversial. The answer is not far-fetched. It is a technology that combines various issues concerning the physical foundation of human life and its development. It is being described as an implausible blend of topics such as abortion, fetal tissue, transplantation, animal rights, women in research, setting guidelines for the regulation of in vitro fertilization clinics, gene therapy, the risk of changing the human germ line, cloning, regenerative medical technology, sex and aging. Before it is used to its fullest potentials, many deeply embedded views of people would have to change. Although a lot of money has been invested in research, attitude of people is also very important and even though, some Western ethical values have been used to explain the benefits which can be derived from it, not many or enough people are convinced of its significance. This study aims at examining various means in which Islāmic ethical values can contribute to this discourse. The study began by giving a general introduction to the research. Then, what stem cell is all about is explained. It also examined the present position of stem cell research in some developed countries. Afterward, stem cell was examined from the bird’s eye view of Islām. The finding of the study is that by using Islāmic ethical considerations, we can kill two birds with one stone. We would be able to avoid the pitfalls in stem cell research and at the same time promote and encourage scientific progress in the field.