In Islam, saving human life is considered one of the highest virtues. This principle guides the Islamic perspective on organ, eye, and tissue donation. Given that a single organ donor can save up to eight lives, and one tissue donor can enhance the lives of up to 50 people, many Islamic scholars view organ donation as an act of sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity) that continues to benefit others even after death. Most contemporary Muslim scholars and organizations, including the Islamic Fiqh Academy and prominent religious authorities, have issued fatwas supporting organ donation when done with respect for the human body, proper consent, and when necessary to save lives. Organ donation can be performed in ways that respect Islamic burial traditions, allowing for prompt burial (dafn) and maintaining the dignity of the deceased.

Statements from National Islamic Authorities

Al-Azhar Fatwa Committee (Egypt) – “The Islamic Shari’ah permits a person to donate part of their body, such as donating blood to a sick person or donating an organ. This is considered a righteous act that will be rewarded by Allah.”

Fatwa Committee of Malaysia – “Organ donation is permissible in Islam when it is the only treatment available, done with respect for the dignity of the donor, with consent, without financial compensation, and to save a life.”

Islamic Religious Council of Singapore – “Organ donation is permissible in Islam. In fact, it is considered an act of merit for Muslims to help save the lives of others by donating their organs after death. This is in line with the Islamic principle of preserving life.”

Islamic Supreme Council of Canada – “The preservation of human life is one of the primary objectives of Islamic Law. Organ donation is permissible in Islam provided proper respect is shown to the deceased and consent is obtained.”

Federation of Islamic Medical Associations – “Organ donation is permissible within Islamic ethics when it serves to save human life, maintains the dignity of both donor and recipient, and is conducted without commercial exploitation.”

Islamic Medical Association of North America – “We recognize organ donation and transplantation as acceptable medical interventions from an Islamic perspective, as long as they are performed within ethical guidelines that respect human dignity and preserve life.”

Statements from Prominent Muslim Scholars

Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa (Former Grand Mufti of Egypt) – “Organ donation is permissible, and indeed an act of charity, based on the Islamic principles of saving human life and preventing harm. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged believers to ‘relieve the hardship of others.'”

Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi (Prominent Sunni Scholar) – “The donation of organs is an act of charity, fraternity, altruism, and love for one’s fellow beings. Islam encourages such noble acts that do not harm the donor but benefit the recipient.”

Grand Ayatollah Sistani (Prominent Shi’a Scholar) – “It is permissible for a person to donate some organs to another person whose life depends on receiving such organs, such as a patient with kidney failure who needs a kidney transplant.”

Sheikh Shawki Allam (Grand Mufti of Egypt) – “Organ donation is a form of cooperation in righteousness and piety. It exemplifies the principles of mercy and altruism that Islam encourages among its followers.”

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Common Q&As for Muslims Regarding Organ Donation

Is organ donation permissible in Islam?

Most contemporary Islamic scholars and juristic councils permit organ donation. The Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the European Council for Fatwa and Research, and many national fatwa councils have issued rulings supporting organ donation based on the Islamic principles of saving lives and preventing harm.

Does the Quran specifically mention organ donation?

The Quran does not explicitly mention organ donation as it is a modern medical procedure. However, Islamic rulings on organ donation are derived from general Quranic principles such as: “Whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved all mankind” (5:32) and the emphasis on charity and alleviating suffering of others.

What conditions must be met for organ donation to be permissible in Islam?

Most scholars who permit organ donation specify these conditions:

• The donation must be the only viable medical option to save the recipient
• Proper informed consent must be given by the donor or family
• No financial compensation should be involved (except perhaps to cover expenses)
• The donor’s dignity must be preserved during the procedure
• The procedure must have a reasonable chance of success

Does organ donation interfere with Islamic burial practices?

Islamic burial practices require treating the body with respect and burying it intact when possible. However, many scholars apply the principle of necessity (darura) and rule that the obligation to save lives can take precedence. Funeral arrangements can proceed normally after organ retrieval, and the body should still be given proper ghusl (ritual washing), shrouding, and burial prayers.

How does organ donation relate to the Islamic concept of the body belonging to Allah?

While the human body is indeed an amanah (trust) from Allah, many scholars argue that using this trust to save others’ lives is a form of fulfilling our responsibility as stewards of this trust. They compare it to how we are permitted to use our bodies in other beneficial ways during life, such as donating blood or breastfeeding.

Will organ donation affect resurrection on the Day of Judgment?

Islamic belief holds that Allah has complete power to resurrect people regardless of the condition of their physical bodies after death. As the Quran states: “Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones? Yes, We are able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers” (75:3-4). Organ donation does not affect Allah’s ability to resurrect the person.

Is there a difference between donating to fellow Muslims versus non-Muslims?

Most contemporary scholars who permit organ donation do not distinguish between Muslim and non-Muslim recipients. The principle of saving human life applies universally, as the Quran honors all human beings: “We have honored the children of Adam” (17:70). Some scholars may give preference to Muslim recipients if choices must be made, but don’t prohibit donation to non-Muslims.

Are there different views among Islamic schools of thought on organ donation?

Yes, there are variations among different madhabs (schools of thought) and among contemporary scholars. Some Shafi’i and Hanbali scholars have been more accepting, while some traditional Hanafi and Maliki scholars have expressed reservations. However, in recent decades, scholars from all schools have issued supportive fatwas, especially when the donation occurs after death and saves lives.

Can a Muslim receive an organ from a non-Muslim donor?

Yes, most scholars who permit organ transplantation allow Muslims to receive organs from non-Muslims. The permissibility focuses on the medical necessity rather than the religious identity of the donor. The organ itself is not considered to carry religious identity.

What do major Islamic organizations say about organ donation?

Major international Islamic bodies that have issued fatwas permitting organ donation include:

• The Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
• The European Council for Fatwa and Research
• Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy
• The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore
• The UK’s Muslim Law Council These organizations generally agree that the benefit of saving lives outweighs other considerations.

Can Muslims specify which organs they wish to donate?

Yes, Muslims can specify which organs they are comfortable donating. Many organ donation registries allow individuals to select specific organs rather than consenting to general donation. This allows Muslims to make decisions aligned with their personal interpretation of Islamic guidance.