Category: Science

Science

Lab-Grown Breast Milk: The Intersection of Science, Ethics, and Islamic Jurisprudence

The great theologian Imam Al-Haramayn Al-Juwayni narrated a story from his father in what is a profound lesson in rizq:
Upon receiving the news that his wife was expecting, Imam Al-Haramayn’s father took great care to ensure the money he provided his wife with was only directly earned from halal means. After Imam Al-Haramayn was born, his father continued his diligence in monitoring what the baby consumed. One day, as was typical at that time, his mother was unable to breastfeed him and engaged the services of a wet nurse. This woman was from a family that was not scrupulous in their earnings. When his father found out, he immediately made Imam Al-Haramayn expel the milk. Continue reading Lab-Grown Breast Milk: The Intersection of Science, Ethics, and Islamic Jurisprudence

Heraa Hashmi2 Comments
Science

From Principles to Patients: Darul Qasim College’s Approach to Islamic Bioethics

What is the ‘Muslim’ response to June 24th, when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing states to develop their own standards for abortion laws? How can shifāʾ — the all-encompassing cure mentioned in the Quran — inform the modern drug development pipeline? Where can Muslim physicians draw on their desire for ihsān (excellence) to improve care for patients, be they Muslim or not? Muslim physicians likely account for at least 4.5% of all practicing physicians in America, but beyond our strength in numbers, what else can we offer to the broader society that is informed by our Islam? Continue reading From Principles to Patients: Darul Qasim College’s Approach to Islamic Bioethics

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Science

Religion and Pork: Issues With Alternative Meats

In a previous article, I outlined some issues ‘ulema have discussed with cultured (also known as lab-grown) meat. One is the impossibility of a blanket replacement of meat with lab-grown meat in light of religious obligations and recommendations of slaughter on certain occasions. The American Fiqh Academy’s fatwa (ruling) from Mufti Abdullah Nana, Abrar Mirza, and Sohail Bengali also note the current procedure’s use of impermissible animal products (mainly Fetal Bovine Serum [FBS]) and the source cells (derived from living animals), which constitutes maytah (carrion) and is haram for consumption. Continue reading Religion and Pork: Issues With Alternative Meats

Heraa Hashmi1 Comment
Science

Towards Implementing an Islamic Framework in Medicine

A transcript of Shaykh Amin Kholwadia’s lecture delivered in Amman, Jordan in 2017 regarding the impact of Maturidi kalam on bioethics was published this month.[1] Earlier this summer, I released an article on challenges and opportunities for Muslims to become live players in American healthcare. For the theoretical frameworks of scholars and researchers to manifest, Muslims must focus on practical applications and initiatives that reflect … Continue reading Towards Implementing an Islamic Framework in Medicine

Waqas HaqueLeave a comment
Science

What is Missing at the Heart of the Islam and Science Nexus?

This centuries-old question may have crossed every Muslim’s mind from the late 19th century until recently. However, the answers offered by scholars and activists are varied and at times at odds with one another. This reflects a general lack of understanding of the issue by many parties, all adding to the confusion of an already contentious issue. Continue reading What is Missing at the Heart of the Islam and Science Nexus?

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