[Al-Quran 50:6-8] Have they not looked at the heaven above them - how We structured it and adorned it and how it has no rifts? And the earth - We spread it out and cast therein firmly set mountains and made grow therein [something] of every beautiful kind, Giving insight and a reminder for every servant who turns [to Allah].

Rethink Genetic Engineering & Transhumanism in the Light of the Quran

فَلَوْلَا كَانَ مِنَ الْقُرُونِ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ أُولُو بَقِيَّةٍ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْفَسَادِ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا 
مِّمَّنْ أَنجَيْنَا مِنْهُمْ وَاتَّبَعَ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مَا أُتْرِفُوا فِيهِ وَكَانُوا مُجْرِمِينَ
So why not had been of the generations before you those possessing a remnant, forbidding from the corruption in the earth except a few of those We saved among them? But followed those who did wrong what luxury they were given therein, and they were criminals.
[Al-Quran 11:116]
Salam. 
I've been studying scripture for a while, trying to understand the signs in terms of science. By the grace of Allah, what I've learnt is that there should be NO CHANGE in the software of life, especially the human software. That is the right religion! 
So set your face to the religion upright. Nature (made by) Allah (upon) which He has created mankind [on it]. No change (should there be) in the creation (of) Allah. That (is) the religion the correct, but most men (do) not know.  [Al-Qur'an 30:30] 

I have tried to understand the above ayat in the backdrop of the scriptures and the history of the civilisations past. I believe that we are not the first civilisation to toy with DNA. Its been done before, and history is simply repeating itself. Satan's plan to destroy humans is by enticing them to corrupt their own software. He did it with Adam, and with several mighty civilisations who were punished for their crimes. Please find below the links and abstracts of the series of blogposts Mission of the Messengers where I quote the relevant ayaat to explain my understanding of the subject. 

As the world advances towards revolutionary developments in Biological Sciences, it is critical for the Believers, and especially for the Muslim World, to realise that the Qur'an contains critical guidance, dire warnings and glad tidings for those who heed the warnings. As the world is moving towards legislating and experimenting with Transhumanism, which is strictly forbidden, we need to study, discuss and understand the grave consequences of disobedience.

Saving a human life is like saving the entire mankind, whereas making changes in Allah's creation is not permissible. How far does one go to use advances in medical science to save humans, and where does one draw the boundary between saving creation versus corrupting creation?  

Proponents of life-extension technologies quote Q5:32 to state that saving a life is like saving all mankind. Doesn't the ayat contain the exception clause 'he who kills a soul other than (for) a soul or (for) spreading corruption in the earth then (it) is as if he has killed all [the] mankind'? Wasn't Adam attempting life-extension when he tried to achieve Immortality as per Q20:114-124? Wasn't Adam the most knowledgable person as he had been taught all the names by God Himself? Weren't the ancients mightier and more knowledgable than us? Were they not also committing crimes that were corrupting creation?  

Faith vs Science [Transhumanism - I: aiming to create the god-self?]  
The Words of Allah, our Lord [Transhumanism - II: Natural vs Artificial] 
Natural Biology of Procreation [Transhumanism - III: bypassing the womb?] 
Prolonging Life [Transhumanism - IV: escaping death for a thousand years?] 
Human Devolution [Transhumanism - V: purposefully imperfect]  


Rethink Genetic Engineering in the Light of the Quran  
Presentation slides which may be used to deliver talks & for group discussions 
http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2017/04/rethink-genetic-engineering-in-light-of.html 
Mission of the Messengers 

I. World History & Future Implications 
Abstract   
Scriptural records, mythology and archeological evidence together indicate that this is not the first time that humans have technologically advanced - rather ancient human civilisations were far mightier. According to scripture, they indulged in the grave crime of altering creation, and despite repeated warnings, when they persisted in their transgressions, God saved humanity from extinction by annihilating the criminals and their corruptions. Satan’s constant enmity for and relentless efforts to destroy mankind, and his methods are mentioned in the scriptures.   
As science advances, great strides are being made in genetic engineering and many other fronts. To ensure judicious and beneficial use of technology, it is vital at this juncture for believers, especially scholars, scientists and policy-makers to revisit the scriptures and take guidance from it, lest we unwittingly become Satan’s tool for our own eternal loss.   
Full Text 
The Quran 2:2 begins with the statement that the Book is a guide for the ‘lil’muttaqīna’ [God-conscious].

II. Satan's Enmity: Origin & Objective 
Abstract
God himself warns Adam and his progeny (us) that Iblis and his progeny are our sworn enemies and that we must beware of them. It is essential to understand the root cause of the enmity, as well as the objective, so that we realise the ferociousness of the enmity and the need to keep guard.   
Full Text


III. Adam's Attempt to Improve upon Allah's Creation 
Abstract
Upon eating the forbidden fruit, Adam and his wife were repentant that they had wronged themselves. Adam had tried to change creation in pursuit of Immortality and A Kingdom that Never Decays. This makes it the earliest known attempt at genetic modification!    
This study revisits the narration of Adam’s trial in the Qur'an to understand the lesson in it, along with with the signs in nature and the latest discoveries in genomics. It appears that, like other animals, humans also have the software to grow a coat on their skin, but that these genes have mutated and are no longer functional in humans. 
Full Text


IV. Balance & Guidance 
Abstract
God has created the entire creation in perfect balance. God has placed humans as ‘khalifa’ on the Earth, entrusting it to humans, and giving humans the ability and the free will to do as they will. Moreover, humans have also been sent guidance and forewarned to not to upset the balance. 
Full Text


V. Crime & Punishment 
Abstract
Corruption of creation is a crime so severe that it has to be punished in this world, in the interest of saving humanity. Yet, God, the Most Compassionate, sends His Messengers to warn to the people, so that those who WILL can save themselves.  
Full Text


VI. Immortality & A Kingdom that Never Decays 
Abstract
Adam had tried to change creation in his desire for Immortality and A Kingdom that Never Decays. Genetic engineering promises longevity (if not immortality), eternal youth and eradication of disease. This study revisits some verses of the Quran that speak of the temporal nature of this world and the permanence of the Hereafter, to explore the possibility of Immortality & A Kingdom that Never Decays in this world. 
Full Text


VII. Days of Allah 
Abstract
Just like Messenger Moses (Musa) was sent to deliver the Children of Israel (Bani Israel) from the Pharaoh (Firoan), similarly we expect that, after severe trials, eventually the Believers will be delivered, and ushered into the wonderful era the Quran terms as the Days of Allah. 
Full Text


VIII. Jesus – Ascension & Return 
Abstract
Several people across many religions expect a Messiah to come save the Believers. Some Muslims believe that Messiah Jesus (Masih Isa ibn-e-Maryam) was raised alive and is with God, while others assert that he died a natural death. Yet others are in doubt. This also leads them to assert that there will be no second coming of Jesus. Based on some verses of the Quran, I believe that Jesus was raised alive and will return as the Messiah.  
Full Text

IX. The Prophesy 
Abstract
According to the verses of the Qur’an: the Arab Prophet-Messenger Muhammad, born and raised in the Arab major city of Makkah, speaking the native Arab language, and warning with a scripture revealed in Arabic, all together seem to be pointing to a major prophecy for the Middle East: the battle between the believers in the one true God and the followers of Satan, and the eventual triumph of Truth. 
Full Text


X. Long Life – Reversed in Creation 
Abstract
Understanding Al-Qur’an 36:68 with the help of a recent discovery. 
Full Text

XI. The Womb  
Abstract
The Womb and its central role in Creation.  
Corruption of creation through the womb. 
Full Text


XII. Wronging the Self 
Abstract
Understanding how we wrong our self by changing the creation of Allah. 
Full Text


XIII. The Right Religion (Deen) 
Abstract
Islam is based on the last revealed scripture, The Quran, revealed through Muhammad fourteen centuries ago.  It uses the phrase The Right Religion in some places. One of the decrees of The Right Religion is that there should be no change in the creation of Allah.
Transhumanism aims to transform the human being. It seeks to tinker with the very core of what makes us human. It is beautifully packaged in the rhetoric of progress and the promise of transcending the existential challenges facing mankind.  
This study is an attempt at understanding the phrase The Right Religion [الدِّينُالْقَيِّمُ] in its usage across the Quran, in the context of the Creator God’s absolute right to decree and command; and through His guidance, understand the reason why there should be no change in Allah’s creation, especially in human nature. 
Full Text
http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-right-religion-deen.html 
XIV. Human: Body or Soul?
Abstract
The human is created from Earth, and is essentially its body. When the command granting life is breathed in, the body becomes alive. Death marks the end of life. Both the Quran and the Bible emphasize our earthly origins and return. The Quran also mentions the ‘ashab-ul-quboor’.  
The correct understanding of the significance of the human body is very important, as it concerns the permissibility, as well as the ethical and moral issues regarding abortions, organ harvesting and transplants, final rites of the deceased, genetic engineering of the living, and so on.  
For Muslims, Quran is the final revelation and the decisive word. We need to explore the text in detail lest we harm ourselves for an eternity. 
Full Text
http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2017/05/human-body-or-soul.html 
Related Links
http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html 

Last updated on August 6, 2022

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