The Permissibility of Utilising Stem Cells in Biomedical Treatment in ASEAN Countries: Religious Compliance Perspective

Abstract

With the rise of the halal market, more and more technologies are being used which are not specifically sanctioned by the Quran or the Sunnah. The use of stem cells in biomedical treatment, which has been claimed to have numerous beneficial effects on humans, was one of these subjects. Stem cell therapy represents a revolutionary development in medical science that offers a promising approach to treating various ailments. Hence, the present study was undertaken to (1) investigate the permissibility of employing stem cells following Islamic law, (2) ascertain the compatibility of stem cell utilisation with Islamic teachings, and (3) identify any limitations on its application. This research study is conducted using secondary library-based sources. It seeks to provide an overview of the ethical and legal considerations surrounding using stem cells as a biological treatment, specifically from the perspectives of chosen countries within ASEAN. The result shows that it is permissible to use stem cells as a treatment under strict conditions that serve to benefit mankind and that utilising them will not cause harm or invoke harm to the person or another person. It also aligns with Maqasid Shari’ah, which protects life and health and applies to several Qawa’id Fiqhiyyah (Legal Maxims). However, many challenges need to be considered regarding stem cell therapy, including ethical concerns. Therefore, several recommendations have been suggested to overcome the unethical issues of using stem cells for biomedical purposes.