ALL forms of knowledge obtained by mankind through research and development is a gift from God.
If God does not will for mankind to obtain such knowledge, then mankind will not be able to obtain it. Only when God wills for a particular knowledge to be made known to mankind, will that knowledge be obtained.
As time progresses, more and more knowledge is made known to mankind, so much so that things thought of before as impossible are today a reality.
It is imperative for Muslims to always be thankful for the gift of knowledge bestowed upon mankind.
All knowledge is actually a sign from God that acts as a reminder that God is All-Powerful and Most Benevolent. This is mentioned explicitly in verses 20 and 21 of Surah al-Dhariyat to the effect that: “On the earth are Signs for those of assured faith. As also in your own selves: will ye not then see?”
Today we are heralding the Age of Biotechnology. This new era has in fact shown many signs of the Might of God that could be found within ourselves.
In light of the advancements made in the area of technology, it is crucial that mankind not be led astray and transgress the natural order of the world by following the path of evil.
This reminder is unequivocally stated in verse 119 of Surah al-Nisa’ to the effect that: ” ‘I (Satan) will mislead them, and I will create in them false desires; I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and to deface the (fair) nature created by God’. Whoever, forsaking God, takes Satan for a friend, hath of a surety suffered a loss that is
manifest”.
In the case of biotechnology, it has often been full of controversy especially with developments such as cloning, genetically modified organisms, artificial reproductive techniques, gene therapy and organ transplantation.
While it is important for us to be wary of ethical issues and religious sensitivities of some of these developments, it is also equally crucial that we do not ignore the advantages that biotechnological progress brings.
For one thing, biotechnology has great potential in solving crimes such as murder and rape. In the past, when a woman was raped it was very difficult to ascertain who the rapist was, aside from the woman’s word. However, the woman’s word was seldom taken seriously. T oday however, it would not be difficult to ascertain who the rapist is based on forensic evidence involving the DNA of the semen collected.
How does Islam view forensic science? To answer this, let us consider the following story that happened during the time of the rule of the Khulafa’ al-Rashidin which was related by Ibn Qayyim in his al-Turuq al-Hukmiyyah .
During the time of Sayyidina Umar Ibn al-Khattab, who was the second caliph, a woman was extremely fond of an Ansar man. She tried several times to seduce him but to no avail. She then tried to implicate him with rape. She took an egg, threw away its yolk and spread the egg white on her dress and between her legs. Then she went to see the caliph in a distressed manner and complained that the man had raped her.
Sayyidina Umar consulted other women on this matter and all the women agreed that there were marks of semen on her body and dress.
The caliph was going to punish the man, but the man vehemently denied the accusation. This prompted Sayyidina Umar to consult Sayyidina Ali Ibn Abi Talib on this matter.
Sayyidina Ali looked at the alleged semen on the dress and ordered for some boiling water before pouring it on the dress.
Theegg white solidified. Sayyidina Ali smelled and tasted it before scolding the woman for lying. She then confessed to having lied to the caliph.
Crude as it might have been, the method used by Sayyidina Ali was indeed effective – and would fall under the area of today’s forensic science.
Today, we have modern techniques and methods that could be applied to settle disputes such as this.
Why don’t we address these problems using these modern techniques, which would indeed help to solve crimes and injustices occurring today?
This goes to show that biotechnology could indeed be utilised for the benefit of mankind. Doubtless, Islam – through the Quran and the Prophet’s traditions – has provided many guidelines that could help Muslims, as
well as the rest of the community, to face the Age of Biotechnology.
A renowned French surgeon, Maurice Bucaille, in his critically acclaimed book, The Bible, The Quran and Science , had examined and studied the Quran and provided the following comment: “?
I had not thought it possible for one to find so many statements in a text compiled more than 13 centuries ago referring to extremely diverse subjects and all of them totally in keeping with modern scientific knowledge.”
It would not be surprising if through thorough studies done on Quranic verses and the traditions of the Prophet, we would be able to dig up vast treasures of guidance that could be used to face challenges of this new century.
Many issues have cropped up as a result of advancements in biotechnology. We have seen issues such as cloning, genetically modified organisms and the like have taken mankind by surprise.
Muslims have responded to these developments by discussing and deliberating the issues at hand. Nonetheless, much more needs to be done.
Muslim scholars and jurists must be proactive in identifying issues, following scientific and technological progress and holding discussions with the scientific community so that a thorough understanding can be established.
Science and technology should never be viewed as un-Islamic. On the contrary, science and technology is part and parcel of Islam, for it is evident from the very first revelation from God.
Looking at the advancements being made in science and technology, particularly biotechnology and life sciences, it is imperative that Muslims must not be ignorant of the development in the scientific world.
Each development would have great impacts on the community, including the Muslim community. Biotechnology has the potential to better our quality of life.
However, if this technology is abused or misused, then the dangers and risks are even greater. Should Muslims just stand by and watch these developments happen? Would we want to be caught unprepared? Certainly not.