We have discussed halal laws in detail throughout this book. God requires us to
eat of halal food (Pickthall, 1994):
(Saying): Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you, and transgress
not in respect thereof lest My wrath come upon you; and he on whom My wrath
cometh, he is lost indeed.
Chapter XX, Verse 81
All things are considered good except the ones specifically prohibited, which
are very few in number. We will look at genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
and biotechnology in the light of some of the basic principles from Al-Qaradawi
(1984) as discussed in Chapter 2.
Everything is halal unless specifically prohibited. There is no specific mention
of altered, modified, genetically engineered food and ingredients in the Quran or
the traditions of Muhammad, because these scientific developments are very recent.
However, genetically modified or engineered products from prohibited animals are
prohibited. For example, because pork is prohibited, by extension, any products
made from genetically altered pigs are prohibited too.
God is the only one who has the power to legislate for humans.
A scientist can explain a new development, and a religious scholar can only
try to interpret whether the development violates any of the tenets of Islam.
Permitting haram and prohibiting halal is similar to shirk, meaning ascribing