Drug testing on humans
Question
In recent times, the use of humans as subjects in testing some drugs advertised as having healing properties for malignant diseases like cancer and AIDS has become a widespread phenomenon. These clandestine human experiments are not subject to any supervisory authority. Please note the following:
1- The source and composition of these drugs are unknown. They are only listed as plant based.
2- The distributors do not announce the scientific results of these experiments; they are neither specialized physicians nor pharmacologists.
What is the opinion of Islamic law towards those who conduct experiments on humans and towards the human subjects of these experiments?
Answer
Allah the Almighty says,
We have honored the sons of Adam. [Al-Israa`:70]
There is no doubt that what these people do, using humans as the subjects for experiments that are potentially harmful or fatal, is inconsistent with the honor Allah has bestowed on humans.
The ruling
It is impermissible to use humans as experimental subjects as it is likewise impermissible for non specialists to conduct such experiments.
The answer to the question is known from the above and Allah the Almighty knows best.