BRIDGING BIOMEDICAL ETHICS AND FAITH: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY IN CONTEMPORARY SCIENCE AND ISLAMIC TEACHINGS

Abstract

The relationship between science and religion has long been a subject of intellectual inquiry, particularly in fields that concern the human body and its moral dimensions. This study explores human physiology as a domain where contemporary biomedical science and Islamic ethical teachings intersect, diverge, and potentially harmonize. By examining the philosophical, ethical, and theological perspectives underpinning each framework, this research seeks to develop a comparative ethical model that respects both scientific reasoning and spiritual values.

Contemporary physiology, grounded in empirical observation and experimentation, views the human body as a complex biological system governed by natural laws. However, modern advancements—such as genetic engineering, organ transplantation, and neurophysiology—have raised profound moral questions regarding the boundaries of human intervention. Islamic teachings, conversely, regard the human body as a sacred trust (Amanah) from God, emphasizing accountability, preservation of life, and the balance between knowledge and humility before divine wisdom. Through an interdisciplinary analysis, the study highlights how Qur’anic principles—such as the sanctity of life (Hurmat al-Hayat), the pursuit of knowledge (Ilm), and moderation (I’tidal)—can inform ethical scientific conduct in human physiology and medical research.

Using a qualitative, comparative methodology, the research synthesizes insights from Qur’anic exegesis, Hadith literature, and bioethical scholarship alongside current biomedical discourse. The findings suggest that Islamic bioethics complements contemporary science by introducing moral constraints rooted in compassion, justice, and human dignity. The study concludes that a holistic ethical framework integrating Islamic values with scientific inquiry can promote not only medical advancement but also moral responsibility in dealing with the human body.

This comparative framework provides a foundation for developing ethically conscious biomedical policies, fostering dialogue between religious scholars and scientists, and guiding future research in physiology that aligns with both universal ethics and spiritual integrity.