What Does Islam Say About Stem Cell Research?

The relationship between Islamic law (Sharia) and stem cell research is a complex and evolving issue. While the Quran, the primary source of Islamic law, does not explicitly mention stem cell research, religious scholars and councils have provided guidelines and rulings based on existing principles. In this article, we will explore the Islamic stance on stem cell research, focusing on key rulings from the Islamic Fiqh Council and the Shia perspective.

Islamic Fiqh Council’s Rulings on Stem Cell Research

The Islamic Fiqh Council, an organization that provides Islamic legal opinions, has provided a comprehensive resolution on stem cell research. Here are the key points:

Source of Tissue

a. Autologous Stem Cells: According to the council, if the stem cells used in research are derived from the patient's own adrenal gland, there is no issue from a shar‘i (Islamic legal) perspective. This is because the cells are derived from the same body and thus will not be rejected by the immune system.

Animal and Embryonic Sourced Stem Cells

b. Animal Foetus: If the stem cells are derived from an animal foetus and the method proves to be successful with no shar‘i reservations, there is no problem. This is based on the hope that the method will avoid immune rejection through proper medical precautions.

c. Embryonic Stem Cells: The council's rulings also address issues related to embryonic stem cells. In certain circumstances, such as the need for medical breakthroughs, some scholars argue that the method of obtaining these cells can be permissible. However, the use of embryonic stem cells derived from human embryos is generally prohibited as it involves the destruction of human life.

Shia Perspectives on Stem Cell Research

Shia scholars have also provided their opinions on stem cell research. According to some Shia rulings, stem cell research itself does not present any inherent problems. However, the issue often becomes more complex when it comes to sourcing the stem cells.

Sourcing Stem Cells

a. Autologous Cells: Cells obtained from a patient's own tissue, such as those from bone marrow or umbilical cord donations, do not present any issues. These cells are immune compatible to the patient and thus do not cause rejection.

Aborted Foetuses and Embryonic Tissue

b. Embryonic Stem Cells and Abortion: The use of embryonic stem cells, particularly those derived from aborted foetuses, is a contentious issue. Many Islamic scholars condemn abortion, except in certain circumstances, such as when the woman's life is at risk. This makes the extraction of stem cells from aborted foetuses problematic, as it involves supporting the act of abortion, which is opposed by Islamic law.

c. Human Embryos: The destruction of human embryos for the purpose of stem cell research raises serious ethical concerns from a shar‘i standpoint. This is because it involves violating the sanctity of human life, especially when the embryos are not destined for implantation.

Conclusion

The Islamic stance on stem cell research is nuanced and depends on the specific circumstances and sources of the stem cells. While autologous and animal foetus-derived stem cells may be permissible under certain conditions, the use of embryonic stem cells derived from human sources is generally prohibited. The complexity of these issues highlights the need for ongoing dialogue between the scientific and religious communities to find solutions that respect both scientific progress and religious principles.