Human Enhancement and the Ethical Limits of Creation from an Islamic Perspective

Abstract

The development of human enhancement technologies such as genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and biological modification has brought about major changes in modern human life. This technology is not only used for medical purposes but also to enhance human physical and cognitive abilities. This phenomenon raises ethical issues regarding the limits of human intervention in God's creation and changes in human nature. This study aims to analyse human enhancement and the ethical limits of human creation from an Islamic perspective through a study of Qur'anic interpretation. This study uses a qualitative approach with a library research type based on thematic interpretation studies (tafsīr maudhū‘ī). Primary data comes from the Qur'an and classical and contemporary commentaries, while secondary data is obtained from scientific journals and Islamic bioethics literature. Data collection techniques were carried out through documentation and literature studies, then analyzed using content analysis with a maqāṣid al-syarī‘ah approach. The results of the study show that Islam does not reject technological developments as long as they are aimed at human welfare, such as treating diseases and improving the quality of life. However, Islam imposes limitations on human enhancement practices that can change the nature of human creation, damage human dignity, or cause social injustice. The principles of hifẓ al-nafs, hifẓ al-‘aql, and hifẓ al-nasl serve as the primary basis for determining the ethical boundaries of technology use. This study concludes that Islam positions technology as a means of public welfare that must be governed by moral values ​​and humanitarian principles.