How does islam deal with GM food and crops and genetic modifications?
Islam would deal with 'new develoments' like the ones you mentioned according to the institution of Fiqh or Islamic Jurisprudence. The scholars (jurists) aka mujthahids would get together to arrive at a Islamic consensus which would then become aruling on GM and genetic modifications.
Ranjeet..... Islam or Qura~n for that matter is not a book of bio medical issues. It is a book of guidance for mankind in their wordly and spiritual matters. It does touch every aspect of man or nature's life in order to ensure one's health. It enjoins upon mankind as follows:
"O' People eat of what is lawful and good on earth..."
If genetically modified food is good for us, there is no stopin.
I asked this question a few months ago and got no helpful information. I think that the problem is that we don't really understand what the problem is all about, the implications and ramifications - it's not simply a question of "it's good for you" but a complex series of ethical questions.
Are we in position to predict what a gene will do once it is transferred into another organism? And how will that new organism affect our existing eco- system?
Is the need for genetic engineering really dictated by a desperate need for food, or by the commercial interests of large corporations? Are there truly no alternatives? We know that in today's world there is plenty of food but the poor cannot afford to buy it - will they be able to afford food that has required such a degree of technological input?
Specifically, as muslims how do you feel about pig genes being engineered onto food such as tomatoes in order to increase their shelf life?
Some effects will become known only after one or two generations, such as cancers or auto-immune diseases. How can we be so sure that there substances are safe?
Are there zoologists, microbiologists or geneticists reading this? I will look for links and post later again.
here is a good link:
http://www.psrast.org/defknfood.htm
Shirin…>>it’s not simply a question of “it’s good for you” but a complex series of ethical questions.<<
I think I should have added ‘wholesome’ with good. Thanks for the article but no where does it say that GM food IS bad. All the authors exhorts its readers is that more research is needed. I reproduce herewith the concluding para
qoute
All the authors of this document have, along with several other scientists, signed an Open Letter demanding that GE foods that have not been tested properly should be withdrawn from the market (in practice this means all GE foods).
unqoute
So they are not against GM food but insists that more research must be done b4 the food is flooded to the markete for consumer. Nothing wrong with that.
Re the pig’s genes into tomatos to make them last longer or whatever!! What do you do do when you buy a packet of bisquites from the market. Right the read the contents as it may not contain pig’s fat. So the danger is not new.
I am not a biomemedic, therefore the terms I use will be simple and not technicle.
[quote]
Originally posted by Baykhatr:
**Thanks for the article but no where does it say that GM food IS bad. All the authors exhorts its readers is that more research is needed. I reproduce herewith the concluding para
qoute
All the authors of this document have, along with several other scientists, signed an Open Letter demanding that GE foods that have not been tested properly should be withdrawn from the market (in practice this means all GE foods).
unqoute
So they are not against GM food but insists that more research must be done b4 the food is flooded to the markete for consumer. Nothing wrong with that.
Re the pig's genes into tomatos to make them last longer or whatever!! What do you do do when you buy a packet of bisquites from the market. Right the read the contents as it may not contain pig's fat. So the danger is not new.
**
[/quote]
And nowhere did I say that it is bad, either.
I just asked a few questions. I think we should all ask questions, lots of them, from all different aspects, and obtain as much information as possible from all sources before making up our minds - that's called informed choice!
Obviously knowledge of Islamic principles should also guide our interpretation of this information.
BTW, a packet of biscuits will list "animal fat" or "lard" among the ingredietnts, but will the tomatoes have a list of ingredients?
Shirin.....>>BTW, a packet of biscuits will list "animal fat" or "lard" among the ingredietnts, but will the tomatoes have a list of ingredients?<<
But this is exactly why the Europeans are asking for ban on American GM food, as it does not even mention that it is geneticaly altered. But where in doubt, I say, leave alone!
This is where the ethical issues are at risk as you illustrated in your previous post.