Muslim scholars today discussed the importance of accessing agricultural innovation for sustainable food security and agreed that it’s in keeping with Islamic Shariah and beliefs.
They also discussed the need to share fact-based scientific information to improve social awareness and acceptance of modern agricultural innovation and agribiotechnology, including GMOs.
Their discussion came at round table discussion titled “Agricultural Innovation and Agribiotechnology in Islamic Shariah,” sponsored by Farming Future Bangladesh (FFB). The event, held Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Krishibid Institute Bangladesh (KIB) in Dhaka, brought together prominent Bangladeshi Muslim scholars and thought leaders.
Muslim scholars learned about the success of modern innovation and the potential of agribiotechnology to overcome such challenges as climate change and decreasing availability of land for farming. Participants agreed that modern innovation and technology should be adopted to feed the increasing population and support proper management of the food value chain.
“Religious belief and faith-based leaders play an institutional role in public understanding and acceptance of modern technology which is more critical and culturally important for food security in Bangladesh,” said Md. Ali Hossain, Chairman of FFB, while leading the discussion session. “We need more food and nutrition to tackle the problem of food adulteration and ensure the availability of safer food.”
“Science and religion are not conflicting and agricultural innovation should be emphasized to ensure more food for Bangladesh,” said Mufti Md. Saiful, Khatib, Masjid-Ut-Taqwa.
Shaykh Ahmadullah, Chairman, As-Sunnah Foundation, said, "Islam Shariah approves all worldly for human good, therefore agricultural innovations are considered ‘Halal’.
Speaking further at this roundtable, Islamic researcher Maulana Hedayetullah said, ‘’The Islamic clerics have great support to the idea and process of biotechnology because it has a great impact for the wellbeing of mankind.
Mawlana Ali Hassan Toiyob presented the keynote paper at the meeting. Among others Khtib, Mawlana Aa Kahhar; Khtib, Mawlana Ghazi Sanaullah Rahmani; Shaikhul Hadis, Mawlana Kamrul Hasan; Modis, Mawlana Ubaidullah Al Kafi;NMuahddith, Mawlana Mahmudul Hasan; Khatib, Mawlana Zakaria Noor; Khatib, Mawlana Hedayatullah Azhar; Mufti Amin Iqbal; Mufti Saiful Islam, Khatib, Mawalana, Gazi Sanuallah, Khatib and Mustafizur Rahman. Mawlana Hasan Toiyab and Maulana Khalid Saifullah Bakshi and officials of Farming Future Bangladesh were also present in the meeting.