Muslim scholars have likened the value of pursuing sacred and worldly knowledge, when done with the correct intention, to acts of ritual worship. But are there limits to this search for understanding? Within the field of medical and scientific research and education specifically, what are the boundaries that the ethical researcher and student must stay within?

This series will, God willing, address the following questions:

May animals used for research purposes?

Is it permissible to conduct research trials on children?

Is the cloning of human embryos a valid alternative to research on live humans?

Can participants within a trial be paid?

Can Muslim medical students observe and/or perform impermissible actions in their training?

What is the religious ruling on organ/body donation and dissection for educational purposes?