سائنس، حدیث اور اخلاقی قانون سازی: اسلامی اجتہاد اور جدید سائنسی تجربات کے درمیان تعلق

SCIENCE, HADITH, AND ETHICAL LEGISLATION: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ISLAMIC IJTIHAD AND MODERN SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTS

Abstract

This interdisciplinary research explores the intricate relationship between modern scientific advancements, Prophetic Hadith, and Islamic legal-ethical reasoning through the lens of ijtihad (independent juristic reasoning). In the contemporary era, developments in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, reproductive science, and medical innovations have raised profound ethical and legal challenges. These challenges demand not only scientific deliberation but also moral and religious guidance rooted in the Islamic tradition.This study investigates how the ethical foundations of Islamic Shariah—particularly the preservation of religion (dīn), life (nafs), intellect (ʿaql), progeny (nasl), and wealth (māl)—provide a robust framework for engaging with such scientific phenomena. The Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ offers not only spiritual and moral guidance but also practical principles that can help assess emerging bioethical dilemmas. The dynamic methodology of ijtihad, grounded in Qur'an and Hadith, supplemented by principles such as qiyās (analogical reasoning), istihsān (juristic preference), and maṣlaḥah mursalah (public interest), enables scholars to formulate contemporary rulings without compromising on Islamic integrity.The research provides critical case studies from both classical and modern jurisprudence, including issues like in-vitro fertilization (IVF), organ transplantation, genetic modification, and AI-based medical diagnostics. Through these examples, the paper demonstrates that Islamic ethical reasoning is not static but evolves to meet new realities while upholding divine objectives.Ultimately, the study emphasizes the necessity for ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration between Islamic jurists and scientific experts. Such cooperation ensures that technological progress aligns with ethical and spiritual values, and positions Islamic law as an active contributor to global bioethical discourse.