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Is it permissible to manipulate the genetic traits of animals and plants for the purpose of improvement?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The ruling on genetic engineering in animals and plants depends on its outcomes. If it is for their improvement and increased production without corruption or harm to users, then there is no Sharia impediment to it, for Allah Almighty says: "It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth." However, if it is for manipulation or corruption, or if it results in harm to humans or the environment, then it is not permissible due to the corruption and harm it entails, which are forbidden by Sharia. This is based on Allah Almighty's saying: "and destroys crops and progeny. And Allah does not like corruption," and the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm." The reference for determining benefit and harm is to the specialists.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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