Genetically Modified Foods & Islam
"Eat and drink of that which Allah has provided and do
not act corruptly, making mischief on the earth." Quran (2:60)
GM FOOD : AN INTRODUCTION:
The issue of Genetically Modified (GM) Food is one of the most important
issues of our age. Our physical and spiritual well-being is being compromised
for the sake of big business. These engineered crops are already being grown
over millions of acres worldwide and can cross-pollinate with normal varieties.
The environment is being mistaken for an experimental playground, a mistake
that is creating unrecallable damage to the web of life. We are told that GM is
just a precise extension of natural breeding and that these manipulated 'foods'
can help solve the world hunger problem. We are told that these 'foods' can
help solve nutritional deficiencies, and anyone who gets in the way is accused
of scare-mongering, of being 'anti-science' and of condemning millions to
starvation....... If we look at the facts, however, we find something quite
interesting.
The scientific facts tell us that genetic modification disrupts the
normal expression of genes, resulting in potentially toxic effects. The facts
tell us that many eminent scientists are actually against the release of GM
foods into the environment and into the food-chain. The facts tell us that this
technology is not being used to solve world hunger; but to increase dependency
on multinationals. The facts tell us that the claims pushed forward to justify
GM foods are designed to act as a global smoke-screen whilst the technology is
used to satisfy an insatiable desire for wealth and power, created out of a
lack of identification with higher values. Not only is a large proportion of
the worlds food supply in danger of being genetically manipulated, but
scientific tests are showing that pollen from already existing GM crops is
cross-fertilizing conventional ones. This means that it may soon be impossible
to find any natural food. Action is therefore needed - and we must act fast. We
cannot wait for our neighbor and we cannot rely on the government. We encourage
you to join the millions of people worldwide, and help to push for a total ban
on the use of genetically modified organisms in food and farming. At the same
time, we urge politicians to utilize safe & integrated solutions to help
solve national and global problems.
RELIGION & GM FOOD:
Scientific issues such as those
related to gene technology applications are totally relevant to people of all
faiths and religions, including Muslims. Surely after all, the ultimate
challenge of any religious or spiritual person is to also apply the teachings
to the world in which they live. Gene technologies have the potential to alter
creation and undermine the principle of wholeness and oneness with potentially
dangerous consequences. They affect our lives and those of future generations,
and are being used right now. They cannot be ignored. In order to meet the
challenge and apply spiritual teachings to modern day issues like GM/GE foods,
we need to understand not only the teachings and develop not only our inner
state but also to develop our understanding of what the issue is about. We need
to understand the world in which we live. With this knowledge we become
empowered. With empowerment we are better able to make a difference. The
question is ……..Are you ready.
GM ANIMAL FEED:
In the UK, as consumer pressure
is encouraging food manufacturers to remove GM ingredients from their products,
animal feed has become a popular and profitable dumping ground for GM foods.
This is unacceptable. It means that GM foods will continue to be grown, thereby
leaving the environmental concerns unaddressed. Also, meat, dairy products and
eggs from the animals could become affected. Amazingly, no hint is given in the
labeling and halal meat is not an
exception. Add your voice to eliminate this unnatural practice. Write to your
food store manager or call up customer services telling them of your concerns.
Whenever possible buy products obtained from animals fed on a GM-free diet.
(e.g. organic) . If you have time write to your MP.
WHAT SOME PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT GM FOODS:
"There are
moments and issues in history where parliament is inadequate and it falls to
the people themselves to act. With the case of genetic engineering and the
granting of patents on life, I believe we have reached one of those historic moments"
Alan Simpson (Labor MP) "I happen to believe that this kind of genetic
modification takes mankind into realms that belong to God, and to God alone.
Apart from certain highly beneficial and specific medical applications, do we
have the right to experiment with, and commercialize, the building blocks of life?
