The Law on the Use of Synthetic Human Genes and Recombinant DNA to Make Drugs and Vaccines
Assalamu’alaikum Sobat Halal-Mu
Nowadays, treatment with synthetic human gene therapy and recombinant DNA has become one of the needs of society. To treat people with chronic diseases, therapeutic methods are needed that can cure causatively, are more effective and targeted with minimal side effects.
What is the ruling on the use of human synthetic genes and recombinant DNA for medicinal purposes?
Verily, Allah has only forbidden to you carrion, blood, pork, and animals which (when slaughtered) are called by names other than Allah. But whoever is compelled to eat them and does not desire to do so, nor does he transgress the limits, there is no sin on him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. (QS. Al-Baqarah [2]:173).
- A gene is a part of a chromosome or one of the chemical units of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in a chromosome, that is, in the locus that controls the genetic characteristics of a living thing. The gene is passed on by one individual to its offspring through a reproductive process.
- Synthetic genes are genes that are constructed and assembled by chemical synthesis of DNA sequences representing one or more genes. The gene synthesis uses a DNA synthesizer (gene machine), or oligonucleotide assembly so that it is synthesized into a synthetic gene, not cloned.
- Recombinant DNA is a form of artificial DNA made by combining or recombining two or more strands of DNA chains that in normal circumstances do not pair or occur together. Thus recombinant DNA is DNA that undergoes changes due to the insertion of a sequence (strands) of DNA chains, by enzymatic or chemical means, which were not previously present in existing DNA molecules.
Legal Conditions
Making genes (synthetic genes) that mimic human genes and recombinant DNA for medicines and vaccines is permissible, subject to the following conditions:
- Not sourced from haram animals and/or
- Not sourced from unclean objects.
The government is obliged to guarantee the availability of drugs or vaccines and halal as a form of protection of religious beliefs. Drug and vaccine manufacturers are required to strive for the production of halal drugs and vaccines and certify them in accordance with statutory provisions. Appeal to the public so that in medicine always use holy and halal medicines.
May it be useful.
Halal Is Our Need, Our Quality and Our Choice!
Source: MUI Fatwa Number 4 of 2021
