Islamic Scholars champion agricultural innovations

Islamic scholars think that Islamic belief and science-based agricultural innovations can go hand in hand as they joined a discussion on the importance of accessing agricultural innovation for a food-secure nation.

The religious leaders also discussed the need to share fact-based scientific information to improve social awareness and acceptance of modern agricultural innovations and agribiotechnology, including Gene Editing.

They came up with the opinion while attending a roundtable discussion titled “Knowledge Sharing on Agricultural Science and Innovation in Islamic Sharia,” supported by Farming Future Bangladesh (FFB).

The participants agreed that modern innovation and technology should be adopted to feed the increasing population and support proper management of the food value chain.

Md Arif Hossain, CEO of FFB, gave an introductory speech in the session.

He said, “Religious belief and faith-based leaders play an institutional role to enable mass acceptance of agricultural innovations.

“We need more food and nutrition to tackle the problem of food adulteration and ensure the availability of safer food,” he added.

Dr Md Tofazzal Islam, founder director of Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering at

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman University of Agriculture, Bangladesh, spoke on the application

and usefulness of agro-biotechnology/gene editing in Bangladesh.

“Science and religion are not conflicting and agricultural innovations should be emphasized to ensure sufficient food for Bangladesh,” he said in his speech.

Highlighting the importance of religious leaders in promoting agricultural innovation, Islamic researcher Ubaidullah Al Kafi, Director, Ershadul Ummah said: “Islamic scholars strongly support the concept and process of biotechnology because it has a beneficial effect on the welfare of mankind.”

Shaykh Ahmadullah, Chairman, As-Sunnah Foundation, said: “Islam Shariah approves worldly methods for human good, therefore agricultural innovations are considered ‘Halal.’

Mawlana Ali Hassan Toiyob presented the keynote speech at the event.

Among others, Khatib Mawlana Aa Kahhar; Khtib, Mawlana Ghazi Sanaullah Rahmani; Shaikhul Hadis, Mawlana Kamrul Hasan; Modis, Mawlana Ubaidullah Al Kafi;N Muahddith, Mawlana Mahmudul Hasan; Khatib, Mawlana Zakaria Noor; Khatib, Mawlana Hedayatullah Azhar; Mufti Amin Iqbal; Mufti Saiful Islam, Khatib, Mawalana, Gazi Sanuallah, Khatib and Mustafizur Rahman. Mawlana Hasan Toiyab and Maulana Khalid Saifullah Bakshi.