The Legal Status of Conjoined Twins in Islamic Law: A Socio‐Legal Analysis

ABSTRACT Conjoined twins are a rare congenital anomaly. Conjoined twins can occur in various morphological types. Conjoined twins are perceived not only as a physical difference but also as a subject of interest and curiosity in many areas of society. The rarity of conjoined twinning and the complex legal, biological, ethical, and social questions surrounding it have brought this condition to the forefront of contemporary scholarly discussions. In particular, the question of whether conjoined twins should be regarded as separate individuals falls directly within the scope of medicine and law. There is no doubt that conjoined twins possess all human characteristics and qualities from birth. Therefore, the Islamic legal principle that every person born alive has full legal capacity also applies to conjoined twins, even though they may exhibit physical differences. Within this framework, it is necessary to establish a legal and social framework that will regulate the lives of conjoined twins and protect their fundamental rights and interests. This study examines the legal status of conjoined twins in Islamic law from a historical and socio‐legal perspective, analyzing the criteria used to conceptualize their legal personhood and their implications for individuality, legal status, and social perception.