Answered by Mufti Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
What is the opinion of scholars regarding the development of organoids and cell culturing? Is it permissible to get stem cell transplants?
Answer:
In the Name of Allāh, the Almighty, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind.
Thank you/ Jazāk Allāh Khayr for your question.
Organoids are 3D structures that mimic real organs created by scientists, using stem cells or tissue samples from various actual organs, while cell culturing refers to the removal of cells from an animal or plant and their subsequent growth in a favourable artificial environment, usually for research regarding how organs develop, the effects of medications and for development of new medical treatment methods.
If the above scientific extractions, experiments and transplants are conducted for improving and sustaining human life, then it is permissible with the known Islamic stipulations such as:
- The process of organ extraction and or harvesting must uphold the dignity and honour of the human body as well as animals.
- The animal or human, from whom the extraction takes place should not be adversely affected in health and normal life.
- The extracted body contents must not be sold.
- Approval and or consent is required from anyone whom cells and tissues are harvested.
- The aim and goal of any such procedures, experiments and transplants must be for a genuine need to save or restore life
(Refer to: Fiqh al Ḥalāl wa al Ḥarām by Muftī Khālid Saifullāh Al-Raḥmānī, The Fiqh Council of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and The Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America)
“And we bestowed dignity on the children of Adam” – (Qur’ān 17:70)[1]
“Allāh is the Creator of both sickness and medicine. He has stipulated a cure for every sickness therefore seek out treatment [for good health and well-being]!” – (Bukhārī 1754)[2]
“Protection of life [and health] is second in merit after preservation of religion in the list of the five objectives (maqāsid) of religion.” – Muftī Khālid Saifullāh Al-Raḥmānī
And Allāh Knows Best.
[1] وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ – سورة الإسراء ٧٠
