Genetically Modified Food Halal or haram?

Query No. :: 2506/cd/MM	Province: Foreign
Date : Tuesday, 17 Feb 2009	Category: General

Q: Are Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or ingredients or products containing GMO's Halaal?

Answer
Jazâkumullâh Khairan for your email correspondence and for the opportunity to be of service to you. We advise as follows:

At the outset our guiding principles must be based on the Shariah. At this stage the issue of Genetic Modification is highly nebulous and no definite decision can be given based on the sparse and indefinite nature of the facts available.

On the one hand, some would advocate that the process is in itself Haraam because of the Qurânic prohibition of tampering with the creation of Allah:

"I shall mislead them, and I shall create in them false desires; I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and to deface the (fair) nature created by Allah, Whoever, forsaking Allah, takes Satan for a friend, hath of a surety suffered a loss that is manifest". [an-Nisa:119]

An issue then of the product itself being Haraam is separate from whether the process is permitted or not. On the other hand, grafting of one tree onto another was practiced and permitted during the lifetime of Rasulullâh sallallâhu alayhi wa sallam.

It cannot be said with definite certainty at this stage in which of the two (if either) GM falls in. The next guiding principle would be whether GM is harmful or beneficial to mankind. Again, the pro and anti camps swear to the truth of their respective causes, but at present, the debate continues. None can thus say with certainty whether GM harms or benefits.

What is certain is that a great doubt exists in various aspects, such as the health implications, environmental impact, political agenda of the GM companies etc.

In light of the above facts SANHA does not promote GM foods.

In regards to certification of GM products, our policy is:

• Plant with plant modification is allowed.
• Plant on animal modification is allowed.
• Animal on plant and animal on animal is not allowed.

It is our hope that for the sake of the Ummah and mankind in general, Muslim scientists of repute and integrity could shed some independent light on this matter.

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