Cloning in Islam - Zakir Naik

Summary

In this Q&A session, a Member of Parliament questions the ethical implications of cloning, asking if it challenges the uniqueness of God's creation. The speaker, addressing the question, explains that cloning uses cells with life given by God, and does not create life from nothing. Referencing the Quran, the speaker clarifies that God alone can create life from nothing, while humans can only alter or replicate existing life. The session emphasizes human limitations, citing Quranic verses that challenge the ability to create even a fly, reinforcing the idea that cloning does not conflict with divine design.

Takeaways

• 😀 The question posed by the Member of Parliament (MP) revolves around whether cloning is inconsistent with God's design, questioning the role of humans in creating life through cloning.
• 😀 The speaker responds by referencing Surah 52:35 of the Quran, asserting that only God can create something from nothing, while humans can only create from existing life.
• 😀 The concept of cloning is explained: it involves taking existing cells, which already have life from God, and creating new beings, but not creating life from nothing.
• 😀 Cloning is described as creating life from something, similar to how a carpenter uses wood to create furniture, but it doesn't contradict God's ability to create life from nothing.
• 😀 The Quran challenges humans by asking, 'Can you create something from nothing?' emphasizing that only God has this power.
• 😀 The Quranic perspective on creation is that humans cannot create life or even something as simple as a fly without God's will and power, as noted in Surah Hajj 22:71–78.
• 😀 The speaker argues that cloning doesn't disprove the Quran but operates within the bounds of God's pre-existing life, as seen in the cloning of animals like sheep (e.g., Dolly).
• 😀 The speaker clarifies that while cloning may advance in science, it doesn't challenge the fundamental Islamic view that life comes from God.
• 😀 There is a clear distinction made between creating from nothing (which only God can do) and creating from something (which humans can do using cells that already contain life).
• 😀 The session emphasizes a structured format for Q&A, with a focus on brief and clear questions, and a priority for non-Muslim guests to ask their questions first.

Q & A

What is the primary concern raised by the Member of Parliament regarding cloning?

The primary concern raised by the Member of Parliament is whether cloning is inconsistent with the belief in God's unique creation of human beings, specifically questioning if cloning challenges or replaces God's design.

How does the speaker respond to the concern that cloning interferes with God's creation?

The speaker explains that cloning does not create life from nothing. Instead, it involves using existing life, such as cells from a living being, which have been given life by God. Thus, cloning is not seen as challenging divine creation.

What does the Quran say about the ability of humans to create life from nothing?

The Quran challenges humans to create something from nothing, stating that only God has the ability to create life from nothing. The Quran's message is clear: humans cannot create life independently, even if they manipulate existing cells.

What Quranic verses does the speaker refer to in his explanation of cloning?

The speaker refers to Surah 52:35, which asks if humans can create something from nothing, and Surah 22:71-78, which challenges humans to create a fly, emphasizing human limitations in the face of God's power.

Does the Quran explicitly address the issue of cloning?

No, the Quran does not specifically mention cloning. However, it discusses the concept of creation from nothing and emphasizes that only God is capable of creating life, which is the basis for the speaker's argument.

What analogy does the speaker use to explain cloning in relation to divine creation?

The speaker compares cloning to a carpenter using wood to create furniture, explaining that in cloning, existing life (cells) is used, but the original life is given by God. This highlights that cloning is more about manipulating existing creation rather than creating life from nothing.

What does the speaker say about human limitations in creation, especially in relation to small creatures like flies?

The speaker cites the Quranic challenge in Surah 22:71-78, stating that even if humans gather all their powers and resources, they cannot create something as simple as a fly. This illustrates human limitations and the supremacy of God's creative power.

What is the significance of the challenge to create a fly in the Quran?

The challenge to create a fly highlights the immense power of God and the inability of humans to create life or even control simple natural processes. It underscores the limitations of human knowledge and technology in comparison to divine will.

How does the speaker address the potential future of human cloning?

The speaker suggests that even if human cloning becomes possible in the future, it will not contradict the teachings of the Quran. Cloning would still involve manipulating existing life, and thus, it would not be seen as creating life from nothing, which only God can do.

Why does the speaker emphasize that cloning does not prove the Quran wrong?

The speaker emphasizes that cloning does not contradict the Quran because cloning involves working with existing life, not creating life from nothing. The Quran's challenge is about the creation of life itself, which only God can achieve.