Western and Islamic bioethics: How close is the gap?

Area of Science:

• Islamic Studies
• Medical Ethics
• Bioethics

Background:

• The relationship between Islam and medicine is deeply intertwined.
• Islamic teachings promote moderation and balance in all aspects of life, including health.
• Islamic law offers a comprehensive moral and legal framework applicable to medical contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the origins of the four core principles of biomedical ethics within Islamic teachings.
• To compare and contrast the application of these principles in Islamic bioethics versus contemporary Western bioethics.
• To highlight the flexibility and adaptability of Islamic ethical principles in novel medical situations.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of Islamic legal and ethical texts.
• Review of scholarly literature on Islamic bioethics and Western biomedical ethics.
• Examination of the four principles of biomedical ethics (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice) through an Islamic lens.

Main Results:

• The four principles of biomedical ethics have identifiable roots in Islamic teachings.
• While core tenets align, there are nuanced differences in the application of these principles between Islamic and Western bioethics.
• Islamic ethics demonstrates adaptability to contemporary medical advancements and ethical dilemmas.

Conclusions:

• Islamic teachings provide a robust foundation for modern bioethics.
• Understanding the Islamic perspective on biomedical ethics enriches global bioethical discourse.
• Further exploration of Islamic bioethics can offer valuable insights for addressing complex medical challenges.