Islamic Views on Genetic Engineering: Ethical Boundaries in the Age of Biotechnology

Abstract

Islamic perspectives on genetic engineering are rooted in a broad 
understanding of ethics, human dignity, and divine will. As biotechnology advances, 
the ethical implications of genetic modification, particularly in human genetics, have 
come under intense scrutiny. Genetic engineering, which involves the manipulation of 
an organism’s genome, poses significant ethical questions within Islam, focusing on the 
sanctity of life, the potential for abuse, and the role of human agency in altering the 
natural order. This paper explores the Islamic viewpoint on genetic engineering, 
highlighting religious texts such as the Qur’an and Hadith, which emphasize the 
sanctity of creation, the moral responsibility of humans, and the potential consequences 
of transgressing ethical boundaries. Islamic scholars have approached genetic 
engineering with caution, especially in relation to human genetic modifications, 
cloning, and the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While the Islamic 
stance on biotechnology is not monolithic, a general consensus supports the application 
of genetic engineering for the betterment of human health and well-being, provided it 
does not infringe on the ethical principles of preservation of life, human dignity, and 
divine will. This paper also explores the role of fatwas (Islamic legal opinions) in 
guiding the practice of genetic engineering within Muslim-majority countries.