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Dr. Mohammed Ghaly

How does a world religion like Islam engage with the moral questions and challenges posed by modern biomedical advancements? Who contributes to the Islamic discourse on bioethical issues, like the beginning and end of human life, abortion, human milk banks, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), palliative care, brain death, euthanasia, pandemics like the recent COVID-19, etc.? How are diverse bioethical perspectives deliberated and how are mainstream positions developed? When do Islamic bioethical deliberations interact, agree or disagree with parallel discussions from outside the Islamic tradition and why?

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How does a world religion like Islam engage with the moral questions and challenges posed by modern biomedical advancements? Who contributes to the Islamic discourse on bioethical issues, like the beginning and end of human life, abortion, human milk banks, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), palliative care, brain death, euthanasia, pandemics like the recent COVID-19, etc.? How are diverse bioethical perspectives deliberated and how are mainstream positions developed? When do Islamic bioethical deliberations interact, agree or disagree with parallel discussions from outside the Islamic tradition and why?

Such questions are thoroughly addressed throughout this ten-week course. As outlined in the Introductory Video, the course will do justice to the complex character of these questions. Thus, rather than providing only simple answers, the focus will be on explaining well-argued insights, understanding the diversity within the Islamic discourse, and showing how disciplines from inside and outside the Islamic tradition contribute to, and shape, the field of Islamic Bioethics.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • This course is tailored for those working in the healthcare professions and for academic researchers with interest in a wide range of fields, including ethics, bioethics, religious studies, intercultural studies, islamic studies, and social sciences.
  • The course will help both groups to learn the internal dynamics and methodological aspects of islamic bioethics and how they result in concrete moral positions. they will also learn how the proponents of each position try to defend the correctness of their standpoint and its compliance with the quran, sunna, the scholarly disciplines rooted in the islamic tradition along with its compatibility with modern biomedical sciences.

Syllabus

Module 1: Classical Islamic Bioethics
Module 2: Contemporary Islamic Bioethics
Module 3: The Beginning of Human Life
Module 4: Beginning of Human Life - Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
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Module 5: Beginning of Human Life - Human Milk Banks
Module 6: End of Life and the Concept of Brain Death - When Does Human Life End?
Module 7: Organ Donation
Module 8: End-of-Life Care (EoLC): Life-Sustaining Treatments (LSTs) and Euthanasia
Module 9: Ethics of Pandemics and Covid-19

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores how Islam interacts with biomedical advancements and their ethical implications, fostering a deeper understanding of this complex subject
Provides insights into the diversity of Islamic bioethical perspectives, highlighting the richness and complexity of this field
Taught by Dr. Mohammed Ghaly, an expert in Islamic Bioethics, providing learners with access to in-depth knowledge and expertise
Suitable for healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals interested in ethics, bioethics, religious studies, and social sciences
Covers a range of topics, including the beginning and end of life, reproductive technologies, palliative care, and pandemics, offering a comprehensive exploration of Islamic Bioethics
Requires familiarity with Islamic principles and concepts to fully engage with the discussions and debates presented in the course

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Reviews summary

An enriching introduction to islamic bioethics

Learners say this course is an enriching and worthwhile experience. They describe it as well organized, concise, and accessible, making complex topics easier to understand. The course is highly recommended for Muslim physicians and other healthcare professionals. While some readings require access to academic databases, learners highly value the up-to-date knowledge and insights provided.
Highly recommended for healthcare professionals
"Excellent primer on Islamic Ethics. Highly recommended."
"A must have for Muslim physicians, medical students and other health workers."
"I enjoyed every word and every single piece of info in this course"
Course simplifies complex topics
"rich in information, this course simplified a complex system and made it understandable"
"Excellent methodology, making the course much easier, even within a culture very little known to us, the westerners."
"The topics were well thought off well organized and presented in concise, succinct and easy to understand way."
Provides deep dive into Islamic bioethics
"I have learned a lot"
"a deep dive into islamic issues in bioethics, fostering a holistic understanding of bioethics."
"Up-to-date knowledge is delivered in a concise and interesting way that keeps you on track from the beginning to the end of the course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Islamic Bioethics with these activities:
Connect with Experts in Islamic Bioethics
Seek guidance and insights from individuals with expertise or experience in the field of Islamic Bioethics.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors through professional organizations, conferences, or online platforms.
  • Reach out to selected mentors and express interest in their mentorship.
  • Establish a communication plan and schedule regular meetings or discussions.
  • Seek advice, guidance, and feedback on bioethical issues and career development.
Review the foundational text *Bioethics: A Systematic Approach* by L. Mathews
Provide a deeper grounding in the principles and theories that shape Islamic Bioethics by reviewing this preparatory text.
Show steps
  • Read each chapter carefully, taking notes on key concepts and arguments.
  • Summarize the main ideas of each chapter in your own words.
  • Identify any areas where you have questions or need further clarification.
  • Discuss your findings with a peer or mentor.
Collaborative Case Study Analysis
Enhance critical thinking and communication skills by discussing and analyzing bioethical case studies in a group setting.
Browse courses on Interpersonal Skills
Show steps
  • Form a study group with peers.
  • Select a bioethical case study from the course material or other relevant sources.
  • Research and gather information about the case study and the relevant Islamic ethical principles.
  • Engage in group discussion, sharing perspectives, and analyzing the ethical issues involved.
  • Summarize the group's analysis and insights on the case study.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Solve practice problems on the ethics of reproductive technologies
Test your understanding of the ethical implications surrounding reproductive technologies by solving practice problems.
Show steps
  • Review the lecture content on assisted reproductive technologies.
  • Gather a list of ethical questions related to reproductive technologies.
  • Search for practice problems or case studies on the ethics of reproductive technologies.
  • Attempt to solve the practice problems or case studies.
  • Check your answers against provided solutions or consult with a healthcare professional.
Design an Ethical Poster
Engage with the ethical discussions by designing a poster that visually presents a bioethical issue and the relevant Islamic perspectives.
Browse courses on Visual Communication
Show steps
  • Select a specific bioethical issue from the course modules.
  • Research the Islamic perspectives and different viewpoints on the issue.
  • Create a visual representation that effectively communicates the ethical dilemma and the Islamic ethical principles involved.
  • Provide a brief explanation or commentary alongside the visual presentation.
Attend a workshop on the ethical implications of pandemics
Expand your knowledge and engage with experts by attending a workshop tailored to the ethical challenges posed by pandemics.
Show steps
  • Research and identify workshops or conferences on the ethics of pandemics.
  • Register and attend the selected workshop.
  • Actively participate in discussions and Q&A sessions.
  • Take notes and reflect on the key takeaways from the workshop.
  • Follow up with workshop organizers or speakers to continue the conversation.
Practice Applying Bioethical Framework
Reinforce the understanding of the Islamic bioethical framework by applying it to ethical scenarios in different modules.
Show steps
  • Identify the relevant ethical principles and values from the Islamic bioethical framework.
  • Analyze the ethical scenario and identify the key issues.
  • Apply the principles and values to the scenario and develop a reasoned justification for an ethical decision.
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen ethical decision.
Develop a presentation on the ethical considerations of organ donation
Deepen your understanding by researching and presenting on the ethical considerations and potential benefits of organ donation.
Browse courses on Organ Donation
Show steps
  • Research the ethical principles and guidelines surrounding organ donation.
  • Gather data on the benefits and challenges associated with organ donation.
  • Develop an outline for your presentation, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Create visual aids, such as slides or handouts, to support your presentation.
  • Practice your presentation and seek feedback from peers or a mentor.
Develop a Bioethical Assessment Tool
Apply knowledge of Islamic bioethics by designing a tool to aid in the ethical assessment of biomedical advancements or healthcare practices.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific area of bioethical concern or need for assessment.
  • Research and analyze existing ethical frameworks and guidelines.
  • Design and develop the bioethical assessment tool, incorporating Islamic ethical principles.
  • Test and validate the tool using case studies or real-world scenarios.
  • Share the developed tool with relevant stakeholders for feedback and implementation.

Career center

Learners who complete Islamic Bioethics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Clinical Ethicist
Clinical Ethicists have a deep understanding of bioethics. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the field of Islamic Bioethics. This course will build up your knowledge of the field.
Bioethicist
Bioethicists raise and explore ethical issues in biology and medicine. This kind of work requires a deep understanding of bioethics. Those who take this course will broaden their understanding of this field, particularly as it pertains to Islam.
Medical Ethicist
Medical Ethicists specifically work on ethical issues in medicine. This course may be helpful to those in this role, particularly those concerned with the relationship between religion and medicine.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists in the biological sciences will find the content of this course relevant to their work and their understanding of the ethical questions raised by advances in their fields.
Forensic Scientist
Forensic Scientists typically apply their knowledge of science to legal proceedings. This course may be helpful to those in this role, particularly if they work with medical evidence or testimony.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts examine existing policies and regulations and suggest new ones. This course may be helpful to those working on health policy or in a similar role.
Legislator
Legislators are elected officials who create laws. This course may be helpful to those drafting legislation in areas related to biomedical ethics, particularly reproductive health and end-of-life care.
Religious Leader
Religious Leaders provide spiritual guidance to their communities. This course will help build a foundation in the ethical questions and challenges posed by modern biomedical advancements from an Islamic perspective.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities. This course may be helpful to those in this role, particularly those who work in facilities that provide reproductive or end-of-life care.
Physician
Physicians provide medical care to patients. This course may be helpful to those in this role, particularly those who work in areas such as obstetrics, neonatology, or palliative care.
Nurse
Nurses provide bedside care to patients. This course may be helpful to those in this role, particularly those who work in areas such as obstetrics, neonatology, or palliative care.
Social Worker
Social Workers provide support to individuals and families facing challenges. This course may be helpful to those in this role, particularly those who work with families facing ethical dilemmas related to medical care.
Journalist
Journalists report on news and events. This course may be helpful to those in this role, particularly those who cover topics related to health and medicine.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. This course may be helpful to those in this role, particularly those who teach health or ethics.
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in legal proceedings. This course may be helpful to those in this role, particularly those who work in areas such as medical malpractice or health law.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Islamic Bioethics.
This online encyclopedia provides a comprehensive overview of the major topics in philosophy, including ethics, bioethics, and Islamic ethics.
This encyclopedia provides a comprehensive overview of the major topics in philosophy, including ethics, bioethics, and Islamic ethics.
Provides a classic and influential account of the four principles of biomedical ethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, methods, and controversies in bioethics.
Provides a practical guide to ethical decision-making in clinical settings, including chapters on the beginning and end of life, assisted reproductive technologies, and organ donation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the major ethical theories, including chapters on utilitarianism, Kantianism, and virtue ethics.

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