ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Sociol.
Sec. ELSI in Science and Genetics
A Survey Study of Local Muslim Undergraduate Students' Views on Human Cognitive Enhancement and Reprogenetic Technologies in Malaysia
Provisionally accepted
Sayyed Mohamed Muhsin1*Mohamed Aslam Akbar1Sohela Mustari1Mohammed H. Alashaikh2
Alexis Heng Boon Chin3*- 1International Islamic University Malaysia, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 2Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 3Singapore Fertility and IVF Consultancy, Singapore, Singapore
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Introduction: Newly emerging human enhancement technologies such as brain chip implants, CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing, and polygenic embryo screening (PES) alongside preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-P) are highly controversial in Islam. However, the prevailing sociocultural dynamics encourage their uptake. In the current era of declining fertility rates, increased parental investment in fewer children has resulted in a flourishing tuition industry, accompanied by heightened academic pressure on students and widespread parental anxiety. These emerging technologies can be employed for cognitive enhancement, thereby providing an expedient solution for parents and students navigating a highly competitive educational environment. Materials and Methods: To inform and facilitate future policy decision-making, an online survey was conducted among 575 undergraduate Muslim students at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) to assess their perspectives and opinions regarding these newly emerging technologies. Results: The findings indicated a significant level of opposition among respondents to the uptake of human enhancement technologies, with 54.8% opposing polygenic embryo screening, 69.2% opposing gene editing, and 75.3% opposing brain chip implants, reflecting substantial concerns about altering natural human attributes. The results also indicate that numerous Muslim respondents believe that Allah created humans flawlessly and purposefully, asserting that humanity lacks the authority to alter or amend this creation. Discussion/Conclusion: A three-pronged governance approach for human enhancement technologies is thus proposed, which encompasses (i) bioethical safeguards, (ii) public engagement and education, and (iii) economic accessibility. It is suggested that the Malaysian government should actively consult relevant stakeholders and various segments of the public before enacting future legislation on these technologies.
Keywords: Brain microchip, Genome editing, Genetic Testing, legislation, Reprogenetic technologies, Shariah
Received: 10 Sep 2025; Accepted: 25 Nov 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Muhsin, Akbar, Mustari, Alashaikh and Chin. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence:
Sayyed Mohamed Muhsin
Alexis Heng Boon Chin
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