A Framework for Examining Bioethical Issues from a Sunni Perspective: Maslaha

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Islamic Studies
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• Religions must address bioethical issues from medical advancements.
• Believers require faith-based guidance for healthcare decisions.
• Islamic bioethics faces challenges due to diverse interpretations and limited English scholarship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Islamic bioethics for contemporary healthcare dilemmas.
• To propose al-Ghazali's maslaha as a framework for Sunni bioethics.
• To enable autonomous decision-making for Muslims in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of two primary Islamic theological schools.
• Application of al-Ghazali's maslaha principle.
• Revisiting Islamic norms and decrees for modern bioethical issues.

Main Results:

• Maslaha provides a framework for analyzing bioethical issues.
• It emphasizes the protection of religion, life, reason, lineage, and property.
• This framework can aid Sunni Muslims in navigating complex medical decisions.

Conclusions:

• Al-Ghazali's maslaha offers a viable approach for Islamic bioethics.
• It facilitates religious interpretation of new bioethical challenges.
• Empowers Sunni Muslims with religious guidelines for autonomous healthcare choices.