Maqasid al-Shariah Based Islamic Bioethics: A Comprehensive Approach

Abstract

Maqasid al-Shariah based Islamic bioethics is an Islamic bioethics concept which uses the objectives of the Shariah (maqasid al-Shariah) as its approach in analysing and assessing bioethical issues. Analysis based on maqasid al-Shariah based Islamic bioethics will examine any bioethical issues from three main aspects namely intention, method, and output or final goal of the studied issues. Then, the evaluation will be analysed from human interest hierarchy, inclusivity, and degree of certainty. The Islamic bioethics concept is a manifestation of dynamic Islamic jurisprudence which can overcome new complex and complicated bioethical issues such as tri-parent baby technology issues. Therefore, this article will introduce and explain the concept of maqasid al-Shariah based Islamic bioethics and outline a general guidance of maqasid al-Shariah based Islamic bioethics to determine a maqṣad (objective) based on standards of human good or well-being (maslahah) and harm (mafsadah).

Keywords: Bioethics; Islamic bioethics; Malay Archipelago; Maqasid al-Shariah; Sunni.