Ismlamic Perspectives on Cancer Genetics and Gene Therapy

Islamic ethical decisions allowing procedures or actions in the field of genetics vary according to the purpose they aim to serve. The guiding principle in the sacred law of Islam, the shari’a, is that there selfom a thing of benefit without some inherent disadvantage affecting one’s religion, body or property. Islam’s concern to combine noble ends with noble means rules out the idea of good end justifying a corrupt means. Taking the specific case of genetic engineering, the most important rule is avoidance of anything that might affect human nature and human relationships. Islam forbids any tampering with human nature in any way other than legitimate methods of correction. Anything that is done for prevention or as treatment is legitimate. Ethical judgment on any medical procedure is made on the basis of predominance of benefit.