Neuroscience and Islamic Law: Contemporary Perspectives

Abstract

Neuroscience and Islamic law intersect in a novel way, providing insights into the biological underpinnings of behavior and how they relate to the legal norms governing Muslim life. This study employs normative legal research, utilizing a variety of approaches, including conceptual, comparative, historical, and futuristic, to explore how brain function influences adherence to or deviation from Islamic law. This study aims to understand the motivations behind actions that comply with or contravene Islamic principles by analyzing how the brain responds to stimuli. Additionally, it delves into the concepts of responsibility and justice within Islamic jurisprudence, examining the impact of neurological conditions on an individual’s accountability. Using content analysis to categorize legal materials, this study describes and prescribes ways in which a deeper understanding of neuroscience could inform legal decisions in complex cases. The goal is to gain a more thorough understanding of human behavior in the context of law and its broader implications for Muslim societies, potentially guiding the development of a legal system that integrates individuals' biological, psychological, and moral dimensions.