The Islamic (Shariah) Ruling on Human Organ Transplantation

Abstract

The modern world has witnessed profound transformations in the field of medical science, leading to intricate bioethical dilemmas. These need to be assessed in the light of Sharī‘ah rules. One such issue is human organ transplantation. It is a medical procedure of implanting organs or tissues, including the heart, liver, kidney, bone, skin and so on, from a donor to a recipient to repair essential functions of the body and, most often, to preserve human life. The increasing use of organ transplantation has raised ethical questions, especially with respect to the sanctity, dignity and integrity of the human body. On one hand, transplantation may seem to contradict the sanctity of the human body as revered in Islam, but on the other hand it is often the only therapeutic option for patients with life-threatening diseases. This combination calls for a juristic study. This research explores the Sharī‘ah status of human organ transplantation in the light of related Qur’anic texts, Prophetic hadīths, jurisprudential maxims, classical and modern juristic views. It critically discusses the arguments of both permissibility and prohibition and assesses them in light of contemporary medical practices. The article concludes by suggesting a middle ground whereby organ transplantation can be permitted under certain conditions while human dignity and ethical and legal norms of Islam are maintained.