Human embryonic stem cells (H-ESCs) for therapy and research purposes : a fiqhi analytical study

Abstract

This research attempts to examine the Islamic point of view towards one biomedical case study, namely, human embryonic stem cells (h-ESCs). H-ESCs are claimed to possess a brilliant potency called pluripotency, useful in treating debilitating diseases which are known with their difficulties to find adequate healings. For instance, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and so on. This groundbreaking potential really makes scientists dream to re-grow damaged human tissues and organs. This may become a reality because h-ESC is an unspecialized cell and can differentiate into many types of cells. Some people claimed that it is a kind of hype only. In addition, the destruction of human embryos after extracting the stem cell involved in this method has created a lot of controversial debates based on ethic and religious perspectives that are either engulfing clinical purposes or research purposes. The researcher will hereby present the outlook of ijtihÉd in this modern medical issue by adopting Islamic ruling principles in terms of MaqÉÎid al-SharÊÑah and QawaÑid Fiqhiyyah. Furthermore, the researcher also examines the situation of h-ESC for therapy and research in Malaysia as a case study in order to know the progress of its applications. This study arrives at the conclusion that even the implementation of h-ESC for therapy and research as generally approved by National FatwÉ Council also known as Muzakarah Jawatankuasa Fatwa Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Malaysia, it is still a debatable issue that questions human dignity (Íurmah). Due to that, the researcher is proposing a more cautious solution as she holds a different view from the Malaysia National Fatwa Council. Finally, some recommendations regarding this issue have also been included.