Bioethics is defined as a discipline dealing with the ethical implications of biological research and applications, especially in medicine. It is a new field of study which is being taught in many Western medical schools.

It is necessary to establish a field of study called Islamic bioethics. Western bioethics is based on Western values, philosophies and religions, such as Christianity and secular humanism. Translations of Western bioethics books should not be used in Islamic universities. Already, translations of Western history books, with all their biases, are being used in Islamic universities. This is not acceptable.

There are many new developments in the life sciences, especially in the field of genetics. This week it was announced that genetically modified (GM) babies with DNA from three biological parents have been born. The Human Genome Project has sequenced the entire human genome. The technology of cloning has advanced, and scientists are discussing cloning human beings and creating "designer babies" -- babies whose genes have been selected by their parents. Genetically modified (GM) food is already on the market. Some GM fruits and vegetables have animal genes spliced into their DNA. Gene therapy -- where genes are injected into a sick person to cure a disease or genetic defect -- is also taking place. Euthanasia was recently legalized in Holland, and it is tolerated in other Western countries.

All of these developments must be studied by Islamic religious scholars (ulama). It must be determined what is halal (permitted) and haram (prohibited) according to the sharia (Islamic law). The problem is that most Islamic religious scholars are not well versed in the latest scientific developments, and most Islamic scientists are not well versed in the sharia.

To solve this problem, a conference on Islamic bioethics should be held. Islamic religious scholars, scientists, and philosophers should all be invited to this conference. Then the field of Islamic bioethics can really be established. Hopefully, something positive can be achieved at this conference through the exchange of ideas.

This is the era when religion, culture, science, politics, and philosophy are all coming together. This is the era of integrated, comprehensive studies, not the era of compartmentalized, specialized studies. People who fail to realize this will be left behind in the modern world.