Resolution No.(207)( 17 /2014), by The Board of Iftaa', Researches and Islamic Studies:
"Ruling on Testing Drugs on People for Money"
Date 30/Zolqidah/1435AH, corresponding to 25/9/2014AD
All perfect praise is due to Allah, blessings and peace be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon his family and companions:
The Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies reviewed, in its twelfth session held on Thursday(30/Zolqidah/1435 A.H)-(25/9/2014 A.D), the question submitted by one of the citizens and reads as follows:
Some research and studies centers in Jordan produce certain medications which they experiment on some people in return for money, and before distributing them in the market. What is the ruling on cooperating with such centers for this purpose in return for money ?
After careful study and deliberation, the Board decided what follows:
Protecting one`s life is among the five necessities which the Islamic Sharia came to preserve, whether by prevention, or by cure as shown by the following verse: “Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily God hath been to you Most Merciful!.” {An-Nisa/29}.
Protecting life is considered in its totality according to the Sharia maxim: the general interest is given precedence over the private interest. Also, Al-Izz Bin Abdusalaam (May Allah bless his soul) said: “The general interest is tantamount to the private necessity. “
Accordingly, testing a medication on a human being-if the doctors thought it was most probably useful- is a permissible act, provided that the following conditions are met:
First: The research centers should take all the necessary precautions and carry out all the experiments which indicate that the medication is chemically sound and doesn`t cause clear damage to the healthy, or the unhealthy persons.
Second: The research and the experiments should be conducted by the authorized centers which adhere to the most elevated standards of methodical academic research under the supervision of qualified experts.
Third: The research centers should adhere to the laws and regulations that govern their work in a bid to avert suspicion, negligence, and competition among the manufacturing companies at the expense of people`s health. We call on the legislative and supervisory institutions to monitor this sector and address any shortage, or weakness in the legislations from which the defect is most likely to happen.
If the aforesaid conditions were met, then there is no harm, by The Will of Allah, and it becomes permissible for the citizen to make a sacrifice by trying the medication, even for money. This is because, in the past, the Muslim jurists permitted taking medications although they didn`t undergo any experimentations and no precautions were taken before trying them on people. Thus, the questioner should know that it is permissible for an individual to cooperate with such centers if they meet the above conditions. And Allah Knows Best.
Head of the Iftaa` Board, The Grand Mufti of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, His Grace Sheikh Abdulkareem Al-Khasawneh.
Prof. Ahmad Helayel/ Member
Dr. Hayel Abdolhafeez/ Member
Dr. Yahia Al-Botoosh/ Member
His Eminence, Sheikh Sa`ied Hijjawi/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Khair Al-Essa/ Member
Prof. Abduln`nassir Abu Al Bass`al/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh/ Member
Prof. Mohammad Al-Qodah/ Member
Dr. Wasif Al-Bakkri/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Al-Zou`bi/ Member
