Volume 14, Issue 2 (10-2026)
JRH 2026, 14(2): 0-0 |
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momeni M K, Bakhshiyan Y, samdaliri A A. An investigation of the jurisprudential challenges of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from the perspective of imami (Shi‘a) jurisprudence. JRH 2026; 14 (2)
URL: http://jrh.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-1304-en.html
URL: http://jrh.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-1304-en.html
Shahrekord University
Abstract: (40 Views)
The present study aims to delineate the boundaries of jurisprudential legitimacy of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) under both elective and emergency conditions, grounded in the principles of Imami jurisprudence through an interdisciplinary and analytical approach drawing on the opinions of Imami jurists and contemporary scientific evidence. FMT is a novel therapeutic modality that restores gastrointestinal and systemic homeostasis—and addresses certain neuropsychiatric disorders—by transferring beneficial microorganisms from the digestive tract of a healthy donor to a patient. Despite its established clinical efficacy, its implementation in Islamic societies such as Iran is accompanied by significant jurisprudential challenges.
Data were collected and analyzed through library-based research encompassing both classical jurisprudential texts and contemporary medical literature. The principal challenges were categorized under five axes: (1) jurisprudential conceptualization of feces and specimen collection methods; (2) processing procedures applied to the specimen; (3) route of administration; (4) specific jurisprudential challenges arising from the conflict of legal rules (tazāḥum); and (5) examination of formal legal opinions (istiftāʾāt) issued by Marājiʿ al-Taqlīd.
Findings indicate that the jurisprudential permissibility of FMT is contingent upon the specimen’s origin, route of administration, and processing methodology. Post‑defecation fecal specimens are classified as ritually impure (najis); however, specimens collected directly from the upper gastrointestinal tract, while potentially ritually pure (ṭāhir), remain subject to the ruling of inherent repugnance (khabātha). Regarding the route of administration, rectal delivery methods and washed preparations demonstrate the greatest compatibility with jurisprudential criteria, whereas oral routes and the use of unprocessed fecal material face substantial jurisprudential impediments on account of the prohibition against consuming ritual impurities (akl al-najis).
Data were collected and analyzed through library-based research encompassing both classical jurisprudential texts and contemporary medical literature. The principal challenges were categorized under five axes: (1) jurisprudential conceptualization of feces and specimen collection methods; (2) processing procedures applied to the specimen; (3) route of administration; (4) specific jurisprudential challenges arising from the conflict of legal rules (tazāḥum); and (5) examination of formal legal opinions (istiftāʾāt) issued by Marājiʿ al-Taqlīd.
Findings indicate that the jurisprudential permissibility of FMT is contingent upon the specimen’s origin, route of administration, and processing methodology. Post‑defecation fecal specimens are classified as ritually impure (najis); however, specimens collected directly from the upper gastrointestinal tract, while potentially ritually pure (ṭāhir), remain subject to the ruling of inherent repugnance (khabātha). Regarding the route of administration, rectal delivery methods and washed preparations demonstrate the greatest compatibility with jurisprudential criteria, whereas oral routes and the use of unprocessed fecal material face substantial jurisprudential impediments on account of the prohibition against consuming ritual impurities (akl al-najis).
Keywords: : Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), Ritual impurity, Jurisprudential principle, Imami jurisprudence, Biojurisprudence
Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Islamic Feqh & Law
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