Between tradition and global ethical dialogue: a new paradigm for Islamic bioethics
Abstract
This article offers a comprehensive analysis of some transformations in Islamic bioethics being observed by the author since the early 2000s, set against the background of global developments in medical ethics and the biomedical sciences. The study traces the shift from traditional philosophical–religious and legal theorizing, grounded primarily in classical Islamic sources and fiqh — based practice, toward an institutionalized, interdisciplinary, and clinically oriented bioethics. It demonstrates that even representatives of previously conservative theological schools have come to recognize the significance of Islamic bioethics as both an independent academic discipline and an applied field relevant to medical practice, research institutions, and educational programs. The paper highlights current research directions, key figures, and emerging models that help to integrate Islamic bioethics into the global bioethical discourse. Special attention is given to how the intellectual legacy of classical scholars (al-Ruhawi, al-Razi, and Ibn Sina) is being reinterpreted and adapted to contemporary clinical, regulatory, and educational contexts, including organ transplantation, reproductive medicine, genetic technologies, and end-of-life care. The article underscores that Islamic bioethics today functions not only as a guardian of tradition but also as an active participant in the global ethical dialogue, contributing unique conceptual and value-based perspectives to solving of universal bioethical challenges.
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