Western and Islamic bioethics: How close is the gap?

Abstract

The relation between Islam and medicine has been described as intimate. Muslims are expected to be moderate and balanced in all matters, including health. Islamic law is based on a complete system of morality that can provide a moral context in medicine from a legal perspective. Islamic teaching is also very flexible and adaptable to many new and novel situations. Islamic Ethics also upholds “the four principles” of biomedical ethics proposed by Beauchamp and Childress. Several authors claim that the roots of these principles are clearly identifiable in Islamic teachings. However, there are some differences in the applications of these principles. This article shed light on the roots of the four principles in Islamic teachings and elaborates on the differences between Islamic and contemporary western bioethics.

Saudi female university employee self-determination in their own health-related issues

“…However, there are some differences in the applications of these principles. [5] Van Bommel [6] stated: "For a Muslim patient, absolute autonomy is very rare, there will be a feeling of responsibility towards God, and he or she lives in social coherence, in which influences how the relatives play their roles". Consequently, Personal choices are only accepted if they are the "right" ones.…”

“…[5] and is itself "a healing and a mercy to those who believe", and the Sunna, which are the aspects of Islamic law based on the Prophet Muhammad's words or acts. [5] Several authors have claimed that the roots of Western bioethics principles are clearly identifiable in Islamic teachings. However, there are some differences in the applications of these principles.…”

“…[5] Islamic bioethics is an extension of Shari'ah (Islamic law), which is itself based on 2 foundations: The Qur'an, the holy book of all Muslims, whose basic impulse is to release the greatest amount possible of the creative moral impulse. [5] and is itself "a healing and a mercy to those who believe", and the Sunna, which are the aspects of Islamic law based on the Prophet Muhammad's words or acts. [5] Several authors have claimed that the roots of Western bioethics principles are clearly identifiable in Islamic teachings.…”

“…The patient must listen to the opinion of close family members about the treatment he or she is going to accept. [5] 1.1 Literature review The first literature review of this study was conducted using keywords such as Saudi women, human rights, selfdetermination, female autonomy, autonomy, female autonomy in Islam, female empowerment, human rights, right to health, decision making in health care, and individual freedom, ethics, and Islamic ethics. The second literature review was conducted using method keywords such as ethnography in nursing and ethnonursing.…”

Autonomy

“…The Qur'an said to the PBUH "Are you going (O Mohammed) to compel the people to believe" (Surah 10/99) and "You are not in control of them" (Surah 88/22). The Qur'an is replete with verses that orders freedom of faith and human personal responsibility [3].…”