Q: What is the position of Shari’ah on stem cells research according to majority of our scholars? (Aamer Mahmoud) A: Let us first understand what is this research and what are the issues involved in it. Following is a brief explanation written by my son Dr. Imran Siddiqi, a Ph.D. in Genetics. He says: “The human body consists of many kinds of cells. These cells are very diverse in their structure and function. For example, neurons that make up the brain are very different from cells that make up our liver, cells that allow our heart to pump blood look nothing like the cells that make up our skin. In spite of their vast differences, however, all cells in the human body contain the same DNA. DNA provides the information, in the form of genes, which is necessary to make all these various cell types. Put simply, liver cells are liver cells because only a small set of genes are turned on in these cells while the rest are shut off. In the same way, cells in the brain or skin have their own set of genes activated, and other sets turned off. However, because all cells contain the entire set of DNA, they possess the information needed to make any kind of cell, though most of this information is not being used. “ How do cells become specialized to form the different organs in the body? Human development begins when a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell. This initial fertilized egg, although it is only a single cell, is able to form an entire human being. This cell starts to divide into additional cells, which at this early stage are all able to produce a complete organism. These cells are therefore calledtotipotent , meaning they have total potential to produce all cell types present in a living human. As development proceeds and an embryo forms, these cells become pluripotent , meaning they have potential to become many different kinds of cells but can no longer give rise to a complete embryo. Later in development, through a process called cell differentiation, these pluripotent cells eventually give rise to the different and more specialized kinds of cells in the body and the different organs begin to form. “ What are stem cells? Stem cells are cells that have not gone through the process of cell differentiation and therefore have the potential to give rise to many different kinds of specialized cells. For instance a stem cell could be used to produce liver cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells, blood cells, etc.The current sources of stem cells include embryos (which, as explained above, consist of pluripotent cells) and fetal tissue . In addition, some recent evidence suggests that even adults have a small number of mulitpotent cells that can be isolated and can later differentiate into various cell types. “One source of stem cells is from embryos that were formed from a process called in vitro fertilization . This is a technique that has been used by doctors for some time, where eggs are removed from a woman after stimulation of the ovaries, and the isolated eggs are then fertilized by sperm cells in the laboratory. The fertilized eggs are allowed to divide for a few cycles and are then implanted into the woman’s uterus, where a normal pregnancy can then take place. The purpose of this technique is to allow couples who cannot normally have children to be able to reproduce. The technique is not that efficient, however, and so doctors usually produce several embryos, hoping that at least one will be able to implant correctly in the uterus and start growing. The remaining embryos are either frozen for later use or are destroyed. Recently, scientists found that they can take these embryos at the stage before they are implanted into the uterus (within 1-5 days after fertilization), and remove pluripotent cells from them. These cells can then be grown and divided on dishes in the laboratory, and then theoretically used to produce all kinds of tissues, from liver cells to heart muscle cells to brain cells. “Why are stem cells important? Research on stem cells has much value both for scientific understanding of human development and for its potential to treat human disease. Many experiments on the effectiveness and safety of new drugs or treatments could be done on cell lines made from stem cells, instead of having to experiment on humans. In addition, stem cells might be used to produce liver cells that can then be formed into a functioning liver and transplanted into patients with liver failure. This would solve the current problem of organ shortage and could also solve the problem of immune rejection of organs . Stem cells might be used to create cells that produce insulin, which can then be transplanted into patients with type I diabetes. In short, stem cells have the potential to cure many diseases from liver disease, to diabetes, to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, to heart disease, to spinal cord injury, and the list can go on and on. “To make this potential of stem cells a reality, much research needs to be done in the next few years. To do this research, scientists need an ample supply of stem cells . Controversy arises because the main source stem cells are embryos used for in vitro fertilization. By removing cells from these embryos, scientists are essentially destroying the embryo, which could have otherwise gone on to develop into a child. However, as explained above, these embryos were developed initially in the laboratory solely for the sake of reproduction and, due to limitations of the in vitro fertilization technique, they were produced in excess of what was required for this purpose. As a result, the remaining embryos would have either been frozen indefinitely or destroyed . Perhaps if research was limited to using only these already existing embryos, it would be more acceptable than if embryos were created and destroyed specifically for the sake of acquiring stem cells. “ Are there any other alternatives? What about stem cells from adults? Some research has shown that even adult humans have a small number of cells that are multipotent, meaning they have the potential to become several different types of specialized cells. The best example of this is cells from the bone marrow. These cells have long been known to be able to produce the different types of blood cells, from white blood cells to red blood cells to platelets involved in blood clotting. Just this past year, a group of researchers showed that some rare bone marrow cells can also be triggered to form fat, cartilage, bone, and muscle. Additional research can theoretically be done on ways to make these multipotent cells become pluripotent; in other words to somehow trigger these cells to go in reverse and become less specialized, and then allow them to differentiate into many kinds of cells. In spite of this interesting research on adult stem cells, it appears that stem cells derived from adults will not be as versatile as stem cells from embryos. Adult stem cells may not be able to provide cells for all kinds of tissues, and in addition they are difficult to isolate because they are so rare in the body. Thus, adult stem cells do not hold as much promise as do stem cells from embryos .†Now let us look at some of the moral issues involved in this research from an Islamic perspective. Shari’ah Perspective on Stem Cells Research: Married couples who cannot have pregnancy in a normal way are allowedto have in vitro fertilization as long as the fertilized ovum is placed in the womb of the woman from whom the egg the was taken ( not a surrogate mother ). The fertilization has to be with the sperm of her lawful husband during their married life , not after divorce or after the death of the husband. This is the general conclusion of various Muslim jurists’ meetings that discussed this subject. Having recognized that in vitro fertilization is permissible in Islam, now the first question that we should ask is that should an embryo, which is formed within a few days after an artificial fertilization and is not yet in the womb of its mother, be considered a human being, with all the rights of a human being? According to the Shari’ah we should make a distinction between actual life and potential life . Also we should make a clear distinction between the fertilized ovum in the dish and the fertilized ovum in the womb of its mother . Indeed an embryo is valuable. It has the potential to grow into a human being, but it is not yet a human being. Similarly there is big difference in having something in a test tube or dish or something in the body of a human being. As mentioned above these embryos were developed initially in the laboratory solely for the sake of reproduction and, due to limitations of the in vitro fertilization technique, they were produced in excess of what was required for this purpose. As a result, the remaining embryos would have either been frozen indefinitely or destroyed. If these embryos were treated as full human, it would have been forbidden to produce them in excess and to destroy them later. No one treats them as humans. Destroying such embryos is not called and cannot be called abortion. We disagree with the Catholic position that this is “equivalent to infanticideâ€. Muslim jurists have made a clear distinction between the early stages of pregnancy (first 40 days) and its later stages . It is mentioned that if someone attacks a pregnant woman and aborts her baby in the early stages of her pregnancy, that person’s punishment will be less than that of the person who does that during full pregnancy. And if he kills the child after the birth, then he is liable to be punished for homicide. The second question is whether according to the Shari’ah it is acceptable to destroy an embryo for the sake of research, even if this research can potentially cure many otherwise fatal diseases? Our answer is that the embryo in this stage is not human . It is not in its natural environment, the womb. If it is not placed in the womb it will not survive and it will not become a human being. So there is nothing wrong in doing this research, especially if this research has a potential to cure diseases . However, it is important that we establish strict rules against the misuse of embryos . Research on embryos has the potential for misuse, for instance in regards to the donors of these cells, and we should anticipate what these misuses might be and establish safeguards against them. (For example, doctors might have infertility patient go through extra cycles of ovulation just so they can obtain more embryos, or they might pay women to produce embryos, or embryos might be obtained without the consent of the donors). In making rules the authorities should also clarify that there is a difference between the use of “spare†embryos from in vitro fertilization procedures which would be destroyed regardless, as compared to the deliberate production of embryos for stem cell research. Each year thousands of embryos are wasted in fertility clinics around the world. Such embryos should not be wasted, they should be used for research. It is also good to encourage the research on the alternative: to use adult stem cells instead of embryonic or fetal stem cells.. This would be much less controversial. However, it seems from the discussion of the experts in the field that adult stem cells are not nearly as useful as embryonic stem cells in their ability to differentiate into different cell types and would therefore not be as applicable in treating many diseases. Until more research is done on this subject and Muslim scholars deliberate in detail on various aspects of this research, humbly following recommendations are in order: It is claimed by the experts in the field that the research on stem cells has great potential to relieve human disease and suffering. If this is the case then it is not only allowed but it is obligatory (fard kifayah) to pursue this research. The use of embryonic stem cells should be very heavily limited. Only allow isolation of stem cells from frozen embryos that were created for the purpose of in vitro fertilization and would otherwise have been destroyed. Obtain full consent from the donors. Provide safeguards against monetary compensation to embryo donors and against the creation of embryos in excess of what is required for in vitro fertilization. Perhaps research using stem cells derived from adults will eventually prove to be most promising. We should encourage further research on the use of adult stem cells, to the point where it will be unnecessary to use embryos for this purpose. Specifically, we should find better ways to isolate existing stem cells in the human body. taken from: http://www.pakistanlink.com/religion/2001/0803.html ------------- Assalamu Alikum Brothers and Sisters 2 Questions: 1) What were your views/opionions/thoughts about Stem Cell Research before reading this? Why? 2) What do you think about In Vitro Fertilization for couples who are infertile? Do you think its right (considering now that childless couples would rather have their own genetic child instead of adopting or fostering the thousands of homeless/orphaned children in their region?)

Posted By Ngonge: Why do people marry? To legally own a person. What is marriage? *Thinks back to anthropology class...remembers* Marriage: A more or less permanent mating relationship that is socially recognized. What is the difference between having a cousin and marrying a cousin? :eek: :eek: I dont have to tell you that. When people say that they view their cousins as their own brothers or sisters, does that mean there are no “walls†put up between a person and their (opposite gender) cousins? Why do you ask? Huh? Would you go holiday with your female cousin (just you and her alone)? Are you thinking about it? If you are... NO Would you hug your female or male cousin? Would you want a flaming piece of iron melting in you hand. How about sharing secrets? Thats why diares were invented. Which would you choose? How? You didnt give us a choice actually.

^^^LOOOOOOOOOL GT. You are so right. Hehehe @ Seeing only the title. I was a little confused about his rant..but that makes sense!

^^^Its funny how you always run when your cornered. You remind me of a rat Besides I do not intent to hijack this thread Hijack it all you want! THis is getting to be quite intersting! Mutakallim: Once burned/bitten/scratched, twice shy? Was that how it went Yeah...guess Ill do that.

Why do they all have to die? :rolleyes: I think its disgusting for a man to die out of hearbreak...I guess the metrosexual revolution was going on back then too! Strong, unemotional, fearless---->Wimps, dopes, lovey-dovey, hysterical, :rolleyes: *Oh where Oh where have the REAL men gone? Oh where Oh where can they BE?*

That is sad.

^^^ Hmmm since people are answering my old childhood questions...wondering if I should post ones that are in my head as of now? :confused: SO PEOPLE WILL FINALLY READ THE TOPIC BEFORE THEY ANSWER. OG Girl:

^^Im sorry. I wouldnt know. I live in Canada...maybe those people living in the mentioned areas could tell us (Esp. those in Seatle)? And will it be shown in Canada?

Please, I ask you professor to cease your perpetual attacks on our Dhaqan and Diin. Let's talk gentlemenly and respect each other. Also, stop the too much insults you habitualy throw at me. Do you agree with these two conditions? Yes/No. Didnt you say this just 2 seconds ago? :eek: I think your suffering from a short term memory. I think he (the integrationist professor) had already influenced you, As for NGONGE..he is very charming...but I form my own opinions. You really shouldnt give him too much credit...you are getting a tad bit PARANOID I believe. or may be you are afraid to defend your religion Kix Kix Kix @A-U. Walahi your so funny Have you thought about being a stand up comic? Really...halarious...Scared of what? A bunch of strangers behind a screen? HEhehehehe *still laughing, rolling on floor, tears running down cheeks, beating fists on thigh* inaa jaahil ka tahay diinta iyo inuu kibir kaa batay. This is where its gonna end brother. I dont argue with fools or little boys. This has been fun...but Im getting a headache now :rolleyes:

Im not interested enough to follow the dispute going on between you and NGONGE. What Im saying is---dont accuse a fellow muslim of destrying your DIIN (<---as if he didnt belong to it) when hes just stating his opinons about DHAQAN <----Which can be seperate from religon. Stop being so stubborn and open your eyes. He blatently stated that killing the criminal infidel who made the blasphemious documentary on our religion with ayan xirsi was never the right thing to do Islamicaly! As for Ayaan Hirsi <---I agree with him. Does that mean Im against Islam too? What gave that man the right to take matters into his own hands? As I undertand it...it should be a court decision not a random individual's emotional outburst. Assalamu Aaikum Peace

I understand your unconditional love for Gaalo , cause they taught you something, and you suddenly programmed yourself with their mindsets, behaviours, culture and so forth Your plots were uncovered! Plus you push the idea of integrationism just to destroy our Dhaqan and Diin . :eek: :eek: You have gone too far now! How can you accuse and attack a fellow muslim like that? And by saying YOU are destroying OUR diin ---you are implying that hes not MUSLIM! :mad: Istaqfuruallah.

32-year-old documentary filmmaker, Mahdy Maaweel, says he was inspired by injustice. His documentary What happened to the dream based on the November 2001 federal raid at the Maka Mini Mart and Barakat Wire Transfer in Seattle's Rainier Valley has earned him awards and appearances all over the Unites States. In this documentary Mahdy introduces us to the Somali-American experiences post the September 11 th. by using his award-winning"Somalisan Television" to speak for many others. Mahdy is not only a filmmaker but also produces theonly live weekly bilingual Somali American Television in America, called Somalisan Television out in Seattle, Washington .And it is the award wining best of the Northwest 2002 and 2003 for making a difference category . Mahdy has established himself as one of the Somali-Americans most important and influential filmmakers in the past few years. He has now completed his second film What happened to the dream released last weekend in Columbus, Ohio State University in 2004. The response from the audience was so incredible and very crowded, that the OSU professor had to invite Mahdy to come back in January 2005 to the OSU in order to share his documentary the rest of the students. This is a remarkable story and it must to be seen both the Somali Americans as well as Americans at large. The reason simply is that it is inspirational, informative, entertainment, activism and educational. Mahdy is forcing you to think and do something about not only the Somali American issues, but rather any giving issues that concerns an injustices. What is interesting about this film entirely it is done in English. Mahdy’s agenda is to make entertainment that he hopes will prompt Americans to do their civic duty. Mahdy packs as much as he can into this documentary—jumping from one point to another, from sarcastic parody to poignant tragedy. But What happened to the dream is more direct, it provides a definitive solution to the story that it presents. Many have speculated What happened to the dream may turn out to be historically significant, as it may be the first film ever to affect the Somali American community the way they see their new land called America. Mahdy has repeatedly said that this is the goal of his film—and he goes about it in a none-too-subtle fashion. On his intentions: “When I make a movie, it's a movie I'd like to see on a Friday night. I wanted to say something about post-9/11 in America for past 3 years: What's happened to us as a people in general. This time is for the Muslims and you don’t know that tomorrow it could be you. And I hope it will influence people leaving the theatre, encourage them to be good citizens. In addition to his achievements in feature films, Mahdy has produced and directed numerous music videos for such diverse artists. Mahdy’s What happened to the dream tour will be coming to your cities this coming holidays. This weekend it will be shown Minneapolis, Minnesota. Portland, Oregon, Nashville, TN, Santiago, CA, and Atlanta, If you’re like me, and you follow the news closely, most of What happened to the dream won’t provide many Earth-shattering revelations. There were a few moments, however, that were enlightening. By: Micheal Wiseman, Freelance Journalist Columbus, Ohio ------------ Have any Nomads seen the documentary? Sounds very interesting. And does anyone know what happened after the raids on the charity centers?

FF aniga kuma sheegin wax xun, laakiin sideedaba sheydaanka waa naloo sheegay inuu dadka ku shaqeysto oo xitaa ka hadlisiiyo, marmarna qalbigooda kusoo rido waxyaabo xun xun. Are you saying an innocent little child has evil intentions for asking these kind of questions? :eek: And working with shaytaan? :eek: You still havent read what I said have you? La illaha illalah Im starting to look bad here and poeple are not willing to read what I have said before they open their mouths! Someone please delete this. I should've followed by gut feeling and not posted it in the first place. Salaam Thank you to Mutakalim, Totti Silence, Salafi Dawah, DA, WP, and the rest.

Dear brother Silence Jazakaallah Khayran for your time and patience and for taking me seriously. I should have known you when I was younger....thank you very much. But...Those were examples of questions I had when I was 5-10 years old. And I believe everyone has these kind of questions when they are first learning about Islam. I dont have them anymore (Alhamdulliah)...but I appreciate you answering them in such a kind and respectful manner. May Allah bless you brother. (If I do have any other questions maybe I should refer to you ) The purpose of the thread was: Why arent kids given those kind of answers instead of being ignored or made to feel bad for asking? Vicking: I read that saying somewhere...and always liked it. Stayed with me. -------- Anyone After this point: Please read everything I have said before you comment. To lessen the misunderstandings going on.

^^I didnt change anything. I always heard it as "tiger" *Cant believe it was n***** :mad: * Vicking *shaking head* Vicking..you are just as bad as my brother.I dont know how anyone can stomach that ..He once tricked me into seeing the rotten website...Im still recovering from it. :eek: [ December 09, 2004, 02:13 AM: Message edited by: Totti ]

^^^ You can not possibly put Islam and Somali culture hand in hand. One is sent from Allah and the other was created by a few old men who sat under a tree. You nailed it perfectly. The rules of religion dont change...but culture does and continously so on a whim.

For those who believe that marrying your cousin might will bring genetical defects or problems---do you also believe that we evolved from monkeys? Or the earth is flat? Or that gay people are born gay..due to the structure of their brain---which differs from normal pple? How can you believe what a bunch of humans "think" (science always changes...as they discover something new...or improve on an old idea) when ALLAH HIMSELF let us marry cousins? DO you think Allah would allow us something that could possibly bring harm to the Muslim Ummah? I dont think so. :cool: Your opinion should be on your personal preferences..not because some guy with a PHD paper says something. Salaam

^^^ My father had once said " there is no such thing as a silly question; if it can be asked, then it is a good question ". Naturally, I bombarded him with many a philosophical query to which he replied " Do you know what I said about there being no such thing as silly questions, well umm...." In retrospect, I find his reply quite humorous. Had a similar experience. Mother regretted that she uttered those words! Those queries you have brought-forth are natural for a child to ask; nay, it is equally natural if queried by he who is not in his salad days (childhood). If that be not the case, then woe is us, for we are save machines True. I still have countless unanswered questions swimming in my head...but the ones I listed where from when I was much younger (BTW I did eventually get the answers to those from a wonderful aunt and my mother.) This reminds me of a story my mother used to tell me: (Im horrible at retelling stories--terrible memory..so this is just an outline) There once was a very old man in his eighties. HE wanted to learn to read the Quran but thought it was too late at this stage of his life. One day as he was getting water from a nearby well...he noticed how the rope attached to the bucket cut into the stone. HE thought to himself---if a stone can be transformed by a rope then an old mind can still learn. He put aside his pride and sat alongside 5-6 year olds and started to learn reading and writing the quran from scratch. For his efforts, he became one of the most learned man of his time regarding the memorization and tasfiir of the quran. Mashallah. Our questions cease when we die...then WE are the ones who are asked the questions. Lets just hope that we are ready and prepared...

This shall be very interesting. Havent read any of them.

Nuune: Lol@Soccer match. "Shaolin soccer" right? I watched it a while ago and it was not as good as I thought it would be. Very disappointing but it had its halarious moments. Vicking: Am very, very curious. *inni mini mini mo..catch a tiger by the toe...if he hollers let him go...ini mini mini mo..* I guess I wont look at it. Thanks for the warning guys. I was already scared half to death once :eek: ...another half..and Id be a goner . Ngonge and Nuune: You big sissies . What happened to being the strong, fearless "macho" men who laughed in the face of cowardness. * Fainting (check) * Vomiting (Check) * Pissing in pants (Waiting :cool: )

I think those questions are an evil- inspired Questions, so don't complicate your little mind . Im really insulted and offended by that. Did you even bother to take 2 mins to read all I have said before you jumped to conclusions? I bet not. :rolleyes: I said I was 5-10 years old.

beer jileeca nagadaaya.Is adkeeya rag buu ilaahey idinkadhigeye!!!!!!! :rolleyes: The Prophet (SCW): "If you have nothing good to say...then remain silent"

If this is a "joke" then you should be seriously banned...cause im not laughing. That is sick. Very sick.

Excellent topics! But we can discusses topics till were blue in the face...the important thing is to act on it and talk about it. * How to become good role models for our younger sisters. *Reproductive health issues(pills, patches,Menstrual cycle, Menopause,Pregnancy or birth, infertility, Contraceptions at any age) *Abortion(Biggest arrising problem) *Anorexia(Many younger girls are safering from this because they want to be slim...Cover Girls) *Eating Disorders *Domestic violence * Creating SISTERHOOD CIRCLES ..ie EMAIL LIST, MAYBE CREATING NETWORK FOR ALL OUR SOL SISTER IN MEDICINE, SOL SISTERS IN BUSINESS, International Relations (thats my field),Psychologist, Engineers,(Exchanging ideas on MCATS for the doctors,internships,Fellowships) *HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES( Women suffering all over the world simple ways to help them and learn from their struggles. This is my area of expertise. I will take a intiative to post much about this. *Sisterhood from our religions perpective(Following the women of paradise)What we can learn from them? And How we can melt it with our daily activities? *Looking at the roles that somali women play in our society. Ways we can better understand and improve? *Education *Ways to deal with Discrimination in our Society? *Female Genital Mutilation *Sister becoming Mentors like big Sisters for our youngsters..Programs * What we can learn from our Mothers? Breast Cancer Single Motherhood Bringing up children the RIGHT way Portrayal of Women in the media nowadays The Pill: pro's vs con's RAISING and disciplining CHILDREN (without fathers)

:rolleyes: Please. Everything under the sun and then some is commited during wars. Lets not close our eyes to it. It happens...and Americans are not exempt. What do you honestly expect from a country that illegally invaded another soveriegn nation? A country that slowly killed their citizens it with a 10 year sanction? If this is true...(probably is)...Im not surprised. Now what was that quote *All is fair in love and war*