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Fertility treatments inline with Islamic teachings |
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JAKIM sheds light on infertility and what Islam says about it |
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October . 2018
28
The Health
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PROBLEM in conceiving is universal - irrespective of the person , race , colour or creed . It is widely understood to be caused by a number of factors , but the good news is various treatments are available to fix it . These treatments , some of which have almost been perfected over years of medical studies and testing , are proven to effectively treat this growing problem . Unsurprisingly , religion also talks a lot about fertility as well as treatment for infertility . Some may believe there is a clear line between religion and science , which one should never cross no matter what . Therefore , it is important to know what religion says about the issue for which science has the answer to .
As the majority of Malaysians are Muslims , Health + approached Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ) director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha to lend a hand in explaining the matter .
WHAT DOES ISLAM SAY ABOUT FER- TILITY TREATMENTS ?
“ Generally , the teachings of Islam implore everyone to seek treatment for any ailments which had befallen them ,” says Othman .
“ It is one of the key knowledge passed down from the Prophet Muhammad . Specifically in relation to fertility treatment , the Holy Quran does tell a few stories regarding past prophets and their issues to conceive . Infertility is a condition that are advisable to be treated if the couple has the desire to raise children .
“ Moreover , getting married and raising a family is highly recommended in Islam as it is part of the Hifz al-Nasab ( the preservation of ancestry ).”
So , to put it in simple terms , Islam fully supports married couples to have children . Therefore , when they don ’ t have the ability to do so , it is highly advisable for them to seek treatment . Yet one question remains : Are the
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VALID TREATMENT : Islam accepts IVF treatment and other fertility treatments as they do not go against the teachings of the religion .
modern , scientific treatments available now go against the teachings of Islam ?
ISLAM ’ S ACCEPTANCE OF MODERN TREATMENTS
Not at all , says Othman . “ JAKIM often works with the Health Ministry and other agencies to inform Muslims in Malaysia about various medical treatments .”
He explains that the 5th National Fatwa Council Committee Discussion on Islamic Matters held in November 1982 had already shed light on the legality of ‘ test tube babies ’, also known as In Vitro Fertilisation ( IVF ) treatment . The resulting fatwa ( edict ) says : Babies born through IVF treatment from seeds of two legally married Muslim couples are valid in Islamic law , while babies born through IVF treatment from seeds of two couples who are not joined legally are not valid .
Babies born from IVF treatment has the same rights as babies who were born without the help of treatment .
If the technique of extraction of seeds from the male and female does not go against Islamic teachings , then the treatment itself is valid .
This clearly means that fertility treatments do not go against Islamic teachings . This is beneficial information for Muslim couples in Malaysia who have problems conceiving yet are sceptical as to the legality of the procedures available .
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Infertility is a condition that are advisable to be treated if the couple has the desire to raise children .
Othman has some advice for Muslims with fertility issues .
“ My advice to readers with possible problems to conceive is to be patient , seek help and treatment if you can afford it , and always trust in God for guidance and peace .”
Extracted from Health +, May 2016 with permission from Hashplus Communication Sdn Bhd
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