Is organ donation allowed in Islam?
Quick Answer
Mainstream contemporary scholars permit organ donation under strict conditions: it must save a life, no commercial sale, donor's consent (or family's after death), and no major harm to the donor.
Detailed Answer
Organ donation is a contemporary issue addressed by major fiqh councils.
Permissible view (majority of contemporary scholars, OIC Islamic Fiqh Academy 1988, European Council for Fatwa, Al-Azhar): - Donating an organ to save a life is an act of immense charity. - Quran 5:32: 'Whoever saves a life, it is as if he has saved all of humanity.' - Conditions: - The donation must save a life or alleviate severe harm. - No commercial sale of organs (this is haram). - Donor's free consent (or family consent after death if intent was unknown). - The donor (if alive) must not be put in significant harm. - Brain death (with strict medical confirmation) is accepted by most contemporary scholars as the threshold for organ retrieval from the deceased.
Minority view (some Salafi-leaning scholars): - Argue against organ donation citing the sanctity of the body and the Prophet's saying that breaking the bone of a dead person is like breaking it while alive (Sunan Abu Dawud 3207).
Blood donation: Permitted by virtually all scholars without dispute.
Receiving organs: Permitted in case of need, even from non-Muslim donors, by mainstream view.
Practical advice: Discuss with family, formally register your intent if you support donation, and ensure no commercial transaction is involved.
Sources
- Quran 5:32
- Sunan Abu Dawud 3207
- OIC Islamic Fiqh Academy Resolution 26 (1988)
- European Council for Fatwa rulings
Disclaimer: This answer is educational guidance based on authentic sources. For binding rulings on personal matters, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar.