Organ Donation: Islamic Perspectives
What is the Islamic view on organ donation?
Islamic scholars differ—some permit as saving life (Islamic Fiqh Academy 1988), others prohibit citing bodily sanctity. England's May 2020 opt-out system presumes adults are donors unless registered otherwise. Key debates: is "brain death" death in Islam, can we donate what we don't own? Register decision at organdonation.nhs.uk—takes 2 minutes. Consult trusted scholar for guidance.
- Scholarly views: Islamic Fiqh Academy permits with conditions; some Deobandi/Salafi scholars prohibit
- UK opt-out system: Presumed donor unless you register otherwise (since May 2020)
- Brain death debate: Some accept brain death as death; others require heart stoppage
- Registration: Takes 2 minutes at organdonation.nhs.uk—opt in, opt in limited, or opt out
- Receiving transplants: Most scholars permit receiving organs on grounds of necessity (darurah)
- Personal decision: Consult trusted scholar, inform family, document in Islamic will
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
- Islamic scholars hold differing views on organ donation
- Some permit it as an act of saving life; others prohibit it
- The UK opt-out system means you're a presumed donor unless you register otherwise
- Family will still be consulted before donation proceeds
- Making your wishes known (either way) prevents family distress
- This is a personal decision requiring individual reflection
Important note
This guide presents multiple scholarly perspectives to help you make an informed decision. It is not a fatwa (religious ruling). For personal guidance, consult a qualified Islamic scholar whose knowledge and methodology you trust.
The UK opt-out system
Since May 2020 in England (and similar laws in Wales and Scotland), the law presumes that adults consent to organ donation unless they:
- Have opted out on the NHS Organ Donor Register
- Are in an excluded group
- Have told family they don't want to donate
What this means for you
If you die and haven't registered a decision, the NHS may approach your family about organ donation. While family will always be consulted and can share your known wishes, having your decision recorded prevents this difficult conversation during their grief.
Islamic principles at stake
Organ donation raises several Islamic principles that scholars weigh differently:
Principles supporting donation
- Saving life (hifz al-nafs) – one of the five essential objectives of Islamic law
- Quran 5:32 – "Whoever saves a life, it is as if they saved all mankind"
- Helping others (ihsan) – doing good to others is highly rewarded
- Sadaqah jariyah – ongoing charity that benefits the donor after death
- Necessity (darurah) – necessity permits what is otherwise prohibited
Principles opposing donation
- Sanctity of the body – the human body belongs to Allah (SWT) and must be respected
- Prohibition of mutilation – the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade disfiguring bodies
- Swift burial – organ donation may delay burial
- Resurrection concerns – some believe the body should remain whole for resurrection
- Not owning the body – we are trustees, not owners, of our bodies
Scholarly positions
Major Islamic bodies and scholars have taken different positions:
Those who permit organ donation
- Islamic Fiqh Academy (OIC) – permits organ donation in 1988 resolution, with conditions
- European Council for Fatwa and Research – permits donation as a noble act
- UK Muslim Council – supports donation as an individual choice
- Many contemporary scholars – including Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, permit it with conditions
These scholars argue that saving life takes precedence over bodily integrity, similar to how amputation is permitted to save a life.
Those who prohibit organ donation
- Islamic Fiqh Academy (Jeddah-based) – some members oppose living donation entirely
- Traditional Deobandi scholars – many prohibit organ donation
- Some Salafi scholars – oppose based on bodily sanctity
These scholars emphasise that the body is a trust (amanah) from Allah (SWT) and we have no right to give away parts of it.
Those who permit with conditions
- Many scholars permit donation only when:
- • The donor gives free consent
- • There is genuine medical necessity (not cosmetic)
- • Death is confirmed before organ retrieval
- • No financial transaction is involved
- • The donor or family don't suffer undue harm
Living vs deceased donation
Scholars often distinguish between:
Living donation
Donating a kidney or part of liver while alive. Most scholars who permit donation are more comfortable with this because:
- The donor gives informed consent
- There is no question about death determination
- The donor can see the benefit to the recipient
Deceased donation
Donating organs after death. This raises additional questions:
- Brain death criteria – is "brain death" truly death in Islamic terms?
- Potential delay to burial
- Family making decisions during grief
The brain death question
A key issue is whether "brain death" (used to determine death for organ donation) is truly death in Islamic law:
The debate
- Traditional Islamic criteria: Death occurs when the soul (ruh) leaves the body, indicated by cessation of heartbeat and breathing, and the body growing cold
- Medical brain death: Irreversible loss of all brain function, though heart may still beat on life support
- Scholarly disagreement: Some accept brain death as death; others maintain the heart must stop
This is a significant point of contention. If you're uncomfortable with brain death criteria, you can specify "donation after circulatory death" (DCD) only, which waits for heart stoppage.
Making your decision
Whatever you decide, here are the key steps:
Steps to take
- Educate yourself – Read various scholarly opinions and understand the medical process
- Consult a scholar – Speak to an Islamic scholar you trust for personal guidance
- Make a decision – Either to opt in, opt out, or donate specific organs only
- Register your decision – Use the NHS Organ Donor Register at organdonation.nhs.uk
- Tell your family – Make sure they know your wishes so they can support your decision if asked
- Include in your will – Document your wishes in your Islamic will
Options on the NHS register
You can register to:
- Opt in – Yes, I want to donate all organs and tissue
- Opt in (limited) – Yes, but only specific organs (you choose which)
- Opt out – No, I do not want to donate any organs or tissue
Registering takes 2 minutes
Visit organdonation.nhs.uk to record your decision. You can update or change your decision at any time. Whatever you decide, registering ensures your wishes are known.
Receiving an organ transplant
A separate question is whether Muslims can receive organ transplants:
- Most scholars who prohibit donation still permit receiving transplants on grounds of necessity (darurah)
- Saving one's own life is considered a religious duty
- Some scholars permit receiving but not donating; others see this as inconsistent
A personal reflection
Questions to consider in making your decision:
- Which scholarly opinion resonates most with my understanding of Islam?
- Would I accept an organ if I needed one to survive?
- What would I want for my family member who needed a transplant?
- Have I discussed this with a scholar I trust?
- Does my family know my wishes?
No judgment either way
Both donating and not donating can be valid Islamic positions depending on which scholarly reasoning you follow. What matters is making an informed, intentional decision rather than leaving it to chance or leaving your family to decide in a moment of grief.
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