What is the ruling on test-tube babies?
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The questioner : What is the ruling of the Shari'ah regarding the test-tube baby procedure, as it has spread widely in recent times?
The Shaykh : Yes, I have an observation regarding this question, which is the questioner's phrase "What is the ruling of the Shari'ah?" Because the ruling of the Shari'ah cannot be attributed to a person who may err or be correct. If the person to whom the question is directed answers with an error, the error is attributed to what? To the Shari'ah. Therefore, if one wishes to direct this question, one should say: "What is the ruling of the Shari'ah in your view?" so that it is tied to the opinion of a person who may err or be correct. It is therefore incumbent upon the questioner to clarify the phrasing and say: "What do you see regarding such-and-such?" or "What is the ruling regarding such-and-such?" without mentioning the Shari'ah, or by qualifying the Shari'ah with "in your view," "in your opinion," "in your judgment," or the like.
As for what concerns the test-tube baby, I am withholding my fatwa on it. I do not issue a fatwa to you permitting it or forbidding it, because the issue is serious. Out of fear of the bad consequences that may result, I have withheld my fatwa on it, even though the matter appears clear to me. I withhold my fatwa because it may lead to harms whose extent only Allah knows. Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes, I have an observation regarding this question, which is the questioner's phrase "What is the ruling of the Shari'ah?" Because the ruling of the Shari'ah cannot be attributed to a person who may err or be correct. If the person to whom the question is directed answers with an error, the error is attributed to what? To the Shari'ah. Therefore, if one wishes to direct this question, one should say: "What is the ruling of the Shari'ah in your view?" so that it is tied to the opinion of a person who may err or be correct. It is therefore incumbent upon the questioner to clarify the phrasing and say: "What do you see regarding such-and-such?" or "What is the ruling regarding such-and-such?" without mentioning the Shari'ah, or by qualifying the Shari'ah with "in your view," "in your opinion," "in your judgment," or the like.
As for what concerns the test-tube baby, I am withholding my fatwa on it. I do not issue a fatwa to you permitting it or forbidding it, because the issue is serious. Out of fear of the bad consequences that may result, I have withheld my fatwa on it, even though the matter appears clear to me. I withhold my fatwa because it may lead to harms whose extent only Allah knows. Yes.