مصنوعی کوکھ :اسلامی شریعت کے تناظر میں ایک تجزیاتی مطالعہ

An Analytical Study of Artificial Womb Technology in the Context of Islamic Shariah

Abstract

Artificial womb technology (AWT) represents a revolutionary development in reproductive science, offering an alternative environment for fetal growth outside the human body. This research provides a comprehensive analytical study of AWT in the context of Islamic Shariah, using classical jurisprudence, legal maxims, and contemporary fiqh discourse as its evaluative framework. The study begins by examining the Islamic perspective on procreation and the legitimacy of modern assisted reproductive techniques. It traces the historical evolution of artificial reproduction—from artificial insemination and IVF to surrogacy and finally artificial wombs—highlighting the ethical and legal challenges posed by each method.

A detailed comparison is drawn between surrogacy and artificial wombs to determine the extent of “mixing of lineage,” moral harm, violation of modesty, and other concerns emphasized by Islamic law. The findings reveal that while surrogacy is unanimously prohibited due to lineage confusion, the presence of two mothers, and moral transgressions, artificial womb technology does not inherently produce such conflicts. Based on Islamic legal maxims such as al-ḍarūrāt tubīḥ al-maḥẓūrāt, al-mashaqqah tajlib al-taysīr, and irtikāb akhaff al-ḍararayn, the study concludes that AWT may be conditionally permissible—particularly in cases of medical necessity, the absence of a viable uterus, or life-threatening complications—provided that the gametes belong exclusively to a married couple and all ethical safeguards are observed.

The research calls for further deliberation by Islamic fiqh academies, bioethics experts, and legislative bodies to develop clear guidelines before the technology becomes clinically widespread. Overall, the study argues that artificial womb technology, unlike surrogacy, offers a feasible and Shariah-compliant alternative for preserving lineage, protecting life, and fulfilling the maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah in contemporary reproductive challenges.