This file photo shows dolly, the cloned sheep. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
The Council of Islamic Ideology termed the process of human cloning “illegal”, during a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, reported Express News.
The meeting was headed by Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani during which the council maintained that there is nothing wrong with the blasphemy law of the country and it doesn’t need any amendments.
The council also said that the DNA tests in rape cases are unacceptable and should only be taken as supplementary evidence.
It further directed the Higher Education Commission and other relevant institutions to rectify the English translation of “Allah”, “Rasool” and “Masjid”, while terming the usage of terms including “Holy Book” and “Holy Place” illegal.
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I am surprised, how much they have anti women thoughts
but I really want to clone someone..!
TO all u out-there if council declared DNA test as supplementary then whts wrong with this? Why because they ask to follow islamic evidence criterea for prooving something.
This council should be dissolved
@3rdRockFromTheSun: I wonder how more enlightened Muslims, in the 12th and 13th CE would respond to DNA testing, or cloning for medical purposes. I would imagine, in an alternative universe, that they'd be a lot more pro-science than this generation.
It was scientific advancement that led Europe out of the Dark Ages, and it is our rejection of science that has made us contend with a Dark Age of our own.
@Stranger: Before the 20th century, when attempts were being made to produce aeroplanes, many thought that it was 'wrong', as 'mother nature' never gave us the means to fly. Yet, the human mind was able to conceive the aeroplane and fundamentally altered how we travel and connect globally.
Whereas human cloning presents many ethical challenges, think of how amazing it would be if we could clone a failing organ, which would mean that issues such as organ availability and immune rejection would no longer pose a problem.
I would go on to say that God has given us the incredible human mind. The science of cloning is very new, and further experiments need to be done on animals before it is applicable to humans. But the very fact that we can artificially reproduce sheep, or grow kidneys from stem cells, or produce penicillin are testaments to science and inquiry.
DNA is specific to the individual and can be treated as hard evidence for murder, or rape. I find it deeply distressing that the Pakistani Ulema take such an anti-science stand. This is a sad day for those wanting to see science progress in Pakistan,
@Rashid
There are not many who will see through your sarcasm. Anyway a good job.
A counter opinion of Universities should also be taken. Since this council is not competent to issue such verdict on this subject.
Perhaps the maulavisaheb can answer me this - a woman needs 4 male witnesses of ‘good character’ in order to back up her allegation of rape. Which means, that those 4 gents would have seen the rape take place; and yet they did nothing to prevent / stop the rape. So how are they of a 'good character' ? So will their testimony then be automatically disqualified because they are not of 'good character'?
"The council also said that the DNA tests in rape cases are unacceptable and should only be taken as supplementary evidence."
DNA testing is authentic unlike religious requirements. Clear proof Science is realistic and stronger than religion.
They should disband the Council. It is seriously stupid. It hinders protection of human rights, and scientific progress.
Why do these Islamic cleric getting involved in such things, I mean to say look at the Muslim world we are like decades back in our research and development. Its like they are fighting on something that Muslims will not even achieve in few decades, at least.
"Illegal" or "Un Islamic".
In a constantly changing world, the only constant is 'CHANGE' and by default 'ISLAM'. Islamic ideoloy rocks.
The title of this report should have focus on the Council terming DNA as unacceptable.
@Stranger: "Its a proven fact that cloned babies have no immunity and are prone to diseases".
Oh it's A PROVEN FACT is it??? I have news for you: no one has cloned any babies EVER, yet. So I'm wondering what "proven fact" means in your mind.
The council also said that the DNA tests in rape cases are unacceptable and should only be taken as supplementary evidence. . Just more ammunition to those who believe that Muslim's don't provide women with equal rights. It's the 21st century - time to actually embrace a proven technology.
"The council also said that the DNA tests in rape cases are unacceptable and should only be taken as supplementary evidence."
This is absolutely atrocious, and inhume. How does one come up with multiple witnesses, who of course have to be male and of 'good character' for their testimony to count? DNA evidence, combined with victim testimony and circumstantial evidence is usally fool-proof.
Isn't it interesting that Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani the head of the Council of Islamic Ideology (an independent constitutional body) is a sitting senator (slightly illegal) (http://www.senate.gov.pk/en/current_members.php) and then while being a senator ran for elections in Balochistan as well. Which is illegal in the sense that the CII chairman has to be someone with no political affiliation.
...but immaculate conception is not? Science should not let obscurantists meddle with scientific advances and progress. If these people had their way, we would still be believing that the earth is flat and was created in 6 days.
I'd like them termed illegal.
The council also said that the DNA tests in rape cases are unacceptable and should only be taken as supplementary evidence.
mullahs are really in stone age
sad state of bigoted idiots...
I wonder if it's so in order to prevent female madrassah students to seek help in case they are sexually abused by qari sahibs.
In this world we have lots of homeless /hungry /unwanted/ unloved/ unplanned children. Why add to it by more cloning.
Yes indeed it is.If mother nature willed us to multiply ourselves by cloning then why did She create reproduction and children. Its a proven fact that cloned babies have no immunity and are prone to diseases. Anyway I would not like to see an exact copy of mine .The world has various kinds/types of people/creatures .It takes all kinds to make this world. Lets enjoy this as it is.