DOHA: The Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE), a centre of the Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies (QFIS) in Hamad Bin Khalifa University will today organise a seminar on ‘Islamic ethics in the era of genomics’.
Religious scholars and biomedical scientists will participate in the seminar, organised in collaboration with the Qatar Supreme Council of Health.
The event at the QFIS will focus on the topic of Genomics, a branch of molecular genetics concerned with the study of genomes – specifically, the identification and sequencing of their constituent genes and the application of this knowledge in medicine, pharmacy and agriculture. The session, moderated by Dr Mohammed Ghaly, CILE Professor of Islam and Biomedical Ethics, will supports QF’s commitment to fostering a progressive and engaged society that is appreciative of its traditional values and heritage, said a press statement yesterday.
Recent developments in the field of Genomics brought about many changes and unprecedented ethical issues in the medical field. The lecture will clarify the Islamic perspective about these issues and challenges with the participation of a renowned group of religious scholars and biomedical scientists.
Prominent speakers include Dr Khalid Alali, Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs in Qatar University, who will address the main ethical recommendations and standpoints adopted by Unesco in the field of Genomics, and their possible relevance for Muslim countries. Hatem Elshanti, MD, Scientific Director of Medical Genetics Center at the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) and Dr Mohammed Naim Yasin, Professor in the Faculty of Sharia at Jordan University, will highlight key ethical dilemmas that genomic technologies bring, and discuss Muslim religious scholars’ responses to the ethical questions.
Dr Tariq Ramadan, CILE Executive Director, will explain how to ensure ethical practice for the on-going Genomics projects in the Gulf and Arab region.
The Peninsula
