Bioethics in the Malay‐Muslim Community inMalaysia: A Study on the Formulation ofFatwaon Genetically Modified Food by the National Fatwa Council

Abstract

The field of bioethics aims to ensure that modern scientific and technological advancements have been primarily developed for the benefits of humankind. This field is deeply rooted in the traditions of Western moral philosophy and socio-political theory. With respect to the view that the practice of bioethics in certain community should incorporate religious and cultural elements, this paper attempts to expound bioethical tradition of the Malay-Muslim community in Malaysia, with shedding light on the mechanism used by the National Fatwa Council to evaluate whether an application of biological sciences is ethical or not. By using the application of the genetically modified food as a case study, this study has found that the council had reviewed the basic guidelines in the main references of shari'ah in order to make decision on the permissibility of the application. The fatwa is made after having consultation with the experts in science field. The council has taken all factors into consideration and given priority to the general aim of shari'ah which to serve the interests of mankind and to save them from harm.

Malaysian Women’s Viewpoint on HPV Screening and Vaccination: A Study on Barriers

“…Somehow, sexually inactive women believe they are at minimal risk of developing HPV infection and that vaccination or screening tests are unnecessary [ 17 ]. In terms of cultural and religious factors affecting vaccination acceptability in Malaysia, the HPV vaccine has been proven to contain no harmful elements and to be safe for the recipient in accordance with Islamic (fatwa) religious standards [ 18 ]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of purchasing vaccines posed a challenge, since more attention was given to purchasing COVID-19 vaccines.…”

Ethical Concerns About Human Genetic Enhancement in the Malay Science Fiction Novels

“…One of the good examples of this are the fatwas produced by the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Affairs of Malaysia, a committee that gives opinions regarding religious issues raised by the Muslim community. Its fatwas have touched upon a wide range of bioethical issues including uterine donation and transplantation (Isa et al 2015;Isa 2016). However it has not yet issued fatwa regarding human genetic enhancement except one fatwa on reproductive cloning in 2002.…”

“…This study explored the concerns of the Malay community which is the biggest ethnic group in Malaysia. They are often Muslims who strongly adhere to an Islamic worldview and ethics (Isa et al 2015). This study would benefit the scientific community as well as policy makers in understanding the concerns of the Muslim community not only in Malaysia but also around the world and consequently inform the discussion and development of robust ethical guidelines on human genetic enhancement.…”