Islamic Perspectives on Organ Transplantation: A Continuous Debate

Abstract

From a medical perspective, as well as an ordinary human perspective, organ transplantation is often understood as a process through which health is restored to sick humans and, consequently, their quality of life improved. Organ transplantation is a medical surgical procedure carried out by an expert or a team of experts who remove a failing or diseased organ or organs from the human body and replace it or them with a functioning organ or organs. With such positive portrayal of the process, organ transplantation is highly recommended and encouraged in modern medicine. However, in Islam, the Qur’an and hadiths—the two great texts of the religion—are silent on the subject. In other words, there is no discussion of the subject in the texts and, therefore, it is not clear whether organ transplantation is permissible or not in Islam. Thus, is organ transplantation an accepted modality of treatment that eliminates the patient’s agony from end-stage organ failure, remains an open-ended question. Whilst some Muslim scholars and jurists argue in favour of organ donation and transplantation, there are others who reject the practice as a breach of shari’ah. This paper posits that the subject of organ donation and transplantation in Islam is an unresolved matter without a ubiquitous consensus. The purpose of the paper is to educate the readers about the two key perspectives on the subject, and highlight that more research and a robust academic and sociological debate are needed to resolve the question of organ donation and transplantation in Islam.

Acceptance of xenotransplantation by patients waiting for organ donation: A qualitative study

“…Previous studies also indicate that Muslims and Jews have a more conservative view on transplantation from pigs. And it is emphasized that religious authorities should pay special attention to this issue 16–20,26–28 . In the present study, the participants also expect clarification from religious authorities on transplantation from non‐haram animals.…”

“…And it is emphasized that religious authorities should pay special attention to this issue. [16][17][18][19][20][26][27][28] In the present study, the participants also expect clarification from religious authorities on transplantation from non-haram animals. In one study, it was stated that the fact that pig is prohibited in Islam may create uncertainty in the decision-making process in Muslim societies regarding the use of any medical equipment or organs obtained from pigs when necessary.…”

Evaluation of knowledge, attitude, and awareness of liver transplant patients toward xenotransplantation

“…with some scholars advocating it, while others reject it as a violation of shariah. 35 In this study, a substantial proportion of patients (89.2%) believed that organ transplantation was acceptable from a religious perspective and the majority (75.8%) believed that transplantation from living donors was ideal. These results reflect patients' deeply held beliefs about the virtue of saving their lives.…”

Opinions of nursing and theology faculty students on Xenotransplantation

“…Christians. Previous studies study done on the topic showed varied opinion on the subject between Christians, Muslims and Jews; Muslims and Jews are of more of a conservative opinion on the topic of XTx 11,27 . Special attention, that includes the religious authorities, should be given to the topic of XTx involving pigs, especially among Muslims, Jews and the Far East Communities.…”