He wants to study genetics; is there anything wrong with that in shar‘i terms?

I am a student in the faculty of sciences and I want to choose a
specialtythat will not conflict with Islam. What do you think of
specialising in genetics?Is it permissible for me to choose this
specialty?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Every branch of knowledge that people need in their religious or
worldly affairs is not forbidden in and of itself with regard to
studying, learning and understanding. But what is of concern is how
this knowledge is used and applied. There is nothing wrong with
studying accountancy – for example– but the problem is with the
practical application ofit in the real life financial world, such as
working in riba-based banks and other institutions. The same may also
be said concerning medicine. It is a branch of knowledge that is very
important and people cannot do without it, but sometimes in real life
it is used for things that are forbidden in Islam, such as cosmetic
surgery for the purpose of beautification, abortions, and so on.
The same may be said concerning the science of genetics, which is
defined in al-Mu'jam al-Waseet (2/1024) as the science which examines
the transmission of characteristics in living beings from one
generation to another andexplaining the way this occurs. It is an
important branch of knowledge, one of the greatest benefits of which
is knowledge of hereditary diseases and how to protect against them
and treat them. It may also be used for beneficial purposes in plants
and animals. But at the same time there is room for those who are
toying with what is called cloning. We have discussed a little about
what is permitted and what is forbidden with regard to cloning and
genetic engineering in the answers to questions no. 103335 and 21582 .
What matters then is not the theoretical study of genetics; rather it
is the practical application thereof. Whatever is permissible and
beneficial is encouraged by Islam, and whatever is haraam and harmful,
is forbidden by Islam.
In a conference of the Islamic Association of Medical Sciences in
Kuwait,which was held under the heading, "Genetics,
GeneticEngineering, the Human Genome and Gene Therapy: an Islamic
View," with the participation of the Islamic Fiqh Council in Jeddah,
the Local Chapter of the World Health Organization in Alexandria, and
the IslamicOrganization for Education, Science and Culture, which was
held during the period 23-25 Jumaada al-Aakhirah 1419AH/13-15 October
1998 CE,the following statement was issued:
Islam is the religion of science and knowledge, asit says in the verse
in which Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the
meaning):
"Say: 'Are those who knowequal to those who know not?'"
[al-Zumar 39:2].
Islam does not hold the human mind back from beneficial scientific
research, but it is not permissible for the results of this research
to be put into practice until they have been measured against Islamic
guidelines. Whatever is in accordance with sharee'ah is permitted, and
whatever goes against it is not permitted. The science of genetics
with its various aspects – as with all additions to knowledge – is
something that Islam encourages and Muslim scientists should be in the
forefront of it.
End quote.
And Allah knows best.

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Calcium pills pose 'heart risk'

People who take calcium supplements could be increasing their risk of
having a heart attack, according to researchers in Germany.
Calcium is often taken by older people to strengthen bones and prevent
fractures.
But the study, published in the journal Heart , said the supplements
"should be taken with caution".
Experts say promoting a balanced diet including calcium would be a
better strategy.
The researchers at the German Cancer Research Centre, in Heidelberg,
followed 23,980 people formore than a decade.
They compared the number of heart attacks in people who were taking
calcium supplements with those who did not.
'Taken with caution'
We need to determine whether the potential risks of the supplements
outweigh the benefits calcium can give sufferersof conditions such as
osteoporosis"
Natasha Stewart
British Heart Foundation
There were 851 heart attacks among the 15,959 people who did not take
any supplements at all. However, people taking calcium supplements
were 86% more likely to have had a heart attack during the study.
The researchers said that heart attacks "might be substantially
increased by taking calcium supplements" and that they "should be
taken withcaution".
Dr Carrie Ruxton, from The Health Supplements Information Service
which is funded supplement manufacturers, said:"Osteoporosis is a real
issuefor women and it is irresponsible for scientists to advise that
women cut out calcium supplements on the basis of one flawed survey,
particularly when the link between calcium, vitamin D and bone health
is endorsed by the European Food Safety Authority."
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) said patients prescribed the
supplements should keep taking their medication, but should also speak
to their doctor if they were concerned.
'Not safe'
Natasha Stewart, a senior cardiac nurse with the BHF, said: "This
research indicates that there may bean increased risk of having a
heart attack for people who take calcium supplements.
"However, this does not mean that these supplements cause heart attacks.
"Further research is neededto shed light on the relationship between
calcium supplements and heart health. We need to determine whether the
potential risks of the supplements outweigh the benefits calcium can
give sufferers of conditions suchas osteoporosis."
Ian Reid and Mark Bolland, researchers at the University of Auckland
in New Zealand, said: "The evidence is also becoming steadily stronger
that it is not safe, nor is it particularly effective.
"Therefore, the administration of this micro nutrient should not be
encouraged; rather people should be advised to obtain their calcium
intake from an appropriately balanced diet.
"We should return to seeing calcium as an important component of a
balanced diet and not as a low cost panacea to the universal problem
of postmenopausal bone loss."
A spokeswoman for the UK's Department of Health said it would consider
the study carefully once the complete article had been published.
"The majority of people do not need to take a calcium supplement," she said.
"A healthy balanced diet will provide all the nutrients, including
calcium, that they need. Good sources of calcium include milk and
dairy foods, fortified dairy food alternatives, e.g. soya drink, and
green leafy vegetables."

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Key Advice for the Newly Wed

بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ‏‎ -‎
Based on the advices of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat
prepared by Brother Aslam Patel
"You have never seen anything better than marriage for those who
love." (Ibne Mãjah)
Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat dãmat barakãtuhum advises:
1 . Every action is dependant upon intention. When marrying, both
partners should therefore make a firm intention to accomplish the
following objectives:
*. Following the Sunnah of our beloved Nabee Muhammad s.
*. Safeguarding oneself from sins.
*. Parenting pious children.
2 . When marrying, each becomes the other's lifetime companion. Each
should understand and appreciate that Allah S has brought them both
together and that their destiny in life has now become one. Whatever
thecircumstances: happiness or sorrow; health or sickness; wealth or
poverty; comfort or hardship; trial or ease; all events are to be
confronted together as a team with mutual affectionand respect. No
matter how wealthy, affluent, materially prosperous and "better-off"
another couplemay appear, one's circumstances are to be happily
accepted with qanã'at ( contentment uponthe Choice of Allah S). The
wife should happily accept her husband, his home andincome as her lot
and should always feel that herhusband is her true beloved and best
friend and well-wisher in all family decisions. The husband too should
accept his wife as his partner-for-life and not cast a glance towards
another.
3 . Nowadays, the husband reads about, and is well-informed of his
rights and demands them. Similarly, the wife reads of her rights and
expects them. However, both should concentrate on being aware of each
other's rights and then strive to fulfil them. This is the
prescription for a prosperous marriage and everlasting love.
4 . During the first year of marriage, the couple must try and spend
as much time as possible together. This is especially true for the
first two months as it provides an opportunity tounderstand each
other's temperaments and establishes a firm foundation which
contributes towards securing a prosperous marriage.
5 . The couple (especially the husband) must make a point to arrive
home early after 'Ishã Salãh and scrupulously avoid the habit of
socialising with friends late into the evening. Wherever possible,
business, employment and other activities should be concluded
beforehand or curtailed in order to set aside time for spending
together.
6 . Mutual respect between husband and wife should not be lost. They
should each be very particular about following the Deen right from the
initial stagesof married life. This will also ensure a religious
environment for the children to be nurtured in, contributing greatly
towards their successful upbringing.
7 . True and everlasting prosperity is only possible for Muslims when
they follow the Sunnah of Rasoolullah s in all affairs. The couple
too, should adhere to the teachings of Rasoolullah s in all their
matters and abstain from anything which contradictsthem. Careful
attention should be given to this in their intimate relationship too.
Inshã'allah this will be an assured approach to acquiring the blessing
of pious offspring.
8 . In the initial stages of marriage, the love between the couple is
a physical bond, wherein emotional changes take place all the time.
Despite great passion and physical love for each other, affection
between the couple is not yet well established or on a rationalbasis.
Such rational love comes after many years together. It is therefore
extremely important for the husband not to succumb to emotional
weaknesses at the onset and let the marriage wavertowards an
irreligious direction. Both the husband and wife should make a pledge
to each other to steadfastly follow the Deen, especially in the
performance of Salãh and in avoiding all sins.
9 . Marriage is like the weather, forever changing. Sometimes it is
cloudy and rainy, life appears gloomy, then the sun appears and rays
of happiness break through bringing joy. At times, one experiences
rain, wind and sunshine all in one day. Such is life, and like the
seasons, we go through different experiences. The secret is to remain
devoted and steadfast to one's Deen and spouse.
10 . The husband should besympathetic to the fact that his wife has
left her parents, brothers and sisters to start a new life with him.
Her sacrifice and her feelings should be respected and joy should be
felt by both partners at the expansion of their families.
Just as the wife should treat her husband's parentsas her own, he
should also extend affection, courtesy and respect to his new in-laws.

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The Bond of Holy Love

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "The noblest of you are those who
are the noblest to their families…"
"Verily, among the most perfect Believers in Iman are those who are
best in character and kindest to their wives."
Even lifting a morsel of food to the mouth of the wife has been given
the significance of ibadat. It is an act of love by which the husband
derives thawab (reward in the Hereafter).
It was part of the Uswah Hasanah (Noble character) of the Prophet صلى
الله عليه وسلم to engage in light hearted talk with his wives.Hadhrat
Abu Hurairah رضى الله تعالى عنه said:
Allah loves a man who caresses his wife. Both of them are awarded
thawab because of this loving attitude and their rizq (earning) is
increased."
A man is rewarded for evena drink of water he presents to his wife.
According to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم the mercy of Allah Ta'ala
cascades on a couple when the husband glances at his wifewith love and
pleasure andshe returns his glance with love and pleasure.
When a husband clasps thehand of his wife with love their sins fall
from the gapsbetween their clasped fingers. Even mutual love between
husband and wives serve as a kaffara (expiation) for sins. The Prophet
صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
"When a man enters his home cheerfully, Allah creates, as a result of
his happy attitude, an angel who engages in istighfar (prayers of
forgiveness) on behalf of the man until the day of Qiyamah."
May Allah give us the ability to act upon the above, ameen.
Al-Mar'atus Salihah (The Pious Wife) is also published by Mujlisul
Ulama, both books can be found in the English language and have been
described as the islamic prescription for a happy and successful
marriage , the blessings and rewards of which extend into even the
Hereafter.

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