Can a Neuralink Chip Be Implanted in the Brain? NU Scholars Issue Their Ruling

A brain implant may be permissible under Islamic law when it serves a medical or restorative purpose, according to a ruling discussed at Nahdlatul Ulama’s 35th congress in Jombang, East Java.

The issue concerns brain-computer interface technology, including Neuralink chips implanted in brain tissue to capture neural activity and translate it into commands for electronic devices. The article reports that Neuralink had implanted BCI devices in 21 human patients by January 2026.

The ruling applies to uses intended to help people with severe paralysis or communication disorders caused by medical conditions. KH Mahbub Ma’afi Ramdan, a formulator of the congress’s Bahtsul Masail Waqi’iyyah deliberations, said the procedure falls under tadawi, or permissible medical treatment. “The ruling on implanting a chip into human brain tissue in the Medical or Restorative Cluster is that it is permissible, because it falls under tadawi, which is permitted,” he said.

“

The ruling on implanting a chip into human brain tissue in the Medical or Restorative Cluster is that it is permissible, because it falls under tadawi, which is permitted.

The permission is conditional. The procedure’s safety and likelihood of success must outweigh its risks. Competent medical professionals must evaluate its effectiveness and chances of success. The implant may also be used only when no other treatment option exists that does not require surgery.

The document divides BCI technology into clusters based on research by Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency, or BRIN. “BRIN divides the use of Brain-Computer Interface technology, or brain implants, into three major clusters to distinguish what is already real, what is established, and what remains a matter of discussion,” Mahbub said. The medical and restorative cluster represents technology already in use, including Neuralink’s N1 implant and Synchron.

“

BRIN divides the use of Brain-Computer Interface technology, or brain implants, into three major clusters to distinguish what is already real, what is established, and what remains a matter of discussion.