Answered by Muftī Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
Is it permissible to participate in research where drugs are being trialed to develop new treatments and how to know that some drug is effective for curing a disease?
Answer:
In the Name of Allāh, the Almighty, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind.
Thank you/ Jazāk Allāh Khayr for your question.
It is permissible to participate in clinical trials of medications or drugs, with the end goal of protecting and preserving life. The following conditions must be met in order for the trials to be permitted under Islamic law:
- The medical trials should be based on solid progress of medical knowledge, medicine and scientific research. Those conducting and leading the experiment trials must be professionals who are qualified in the field of medicine and human biology.
- If the medical trials can be concluded on animals, then humans should not be made to participate. If an alternative permissible drug already exists to cure the disease, the trial to discover another would not be permitted.
- The least number of people possible to conclude the research through the trials must be considered. The process must uphold the dignity and honour of the human body.
- Subjects should be exposed to the least amount of harm possible during the trials. It would be impermissible if there is a very high probability of severe harm, injury or death through the trials.
- Participation must be voluntary and with consent. Those participating must be told in advance of all the possible consequences or probable dangers beforehand.
- The aim and goal of any such trials and experiments must be for the genuine need to save or restore life and or protect from sicknesses and diseases.
(Refer to Majma’ Al-Fiqh Al-Islāmīy, Dār Al-Iftā Al-Miṣriyyah)
“If anyone saves a life, it shall be as though they had saved the lives of all mankind.” – (Qur’ān 5:32)[1]
“And we bestowed dignity on the children of Adam” – (Qur’ān 17:70)[2]
“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)[3]
“A necessity dictates ease for the extent of the necessity” – (Rad Al-Muḥtār, Vol 2, Page 42, Dār Al-Fikr[4])
“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] وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا – سورة المائدة ٣٢
[2] وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ – سورة الإسراء ٧٠
[3] إنَّ اللهَ تعالى حيث خلق الدَّاءَ خلق الدَّواءَ فَتَدَاوَوْا – رواه البخاري ١٧٥٤
[4] الضَّرُورَةَ تَتَقَدَّرُ بِقَدْرِهَا – حاشية ابن عابدين رد المحتار ج ٢/ ص ٤٢ دار الفكر
