Iftaa Department: Post-Mortem Organ Donation Is Allowed By Sharia Law

Amman, Sept 5 (Petra) – The General Iftaa Department confirmed that recommending organ donation after death to save a patients' lives is permissible according to Islamic law, as it is considered "an act of charity and cooperation in doing good, and fulfills the Sharia's objective of preserving life." In a fatwa (religious ruling) on the permissibility of bequeathing all organs after death, the department explained that "donating to alleviate harm to a patient falls under permissible medical treatment, based on the verse in the Quran: {whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity}, and the principles: "Necessity permits what is forbidden," and "Necessity is determined by its extent." The department clarified that the person who donates their organs after death concludes their life with a righteous deed, whose reward continues. It pointed out that a patient's need for an organ transplant may exceed a poor person's need for money, and that Sharia law encourages relieving distress and showing kindness to people.

Organ donation from deceased individuals is subject to strict Sharia and medical guidelines. These include definitively verifying the donor's death, ensuring the body is not disfigured, and confirming the likelihood of successful transplantation by physicians. Additionally, a prior will from the donor or the consent of the heirs is required, depending on the type of organ and the circumstances of the transplant, according to the edict.

Regarding organ donation from living donors, the fatwa stipulated that a donor must be of sound mind and legal capacity, that the donation will not cause harm that would disrupt their normal life, and that the transplant must be the best and most likely medical option. The sale of organs or receiving any financial compensation for them is strictly prohibited, it said.

The department urged viewing organ donation as "a noble form of solidarity and benevolence, especially given the medical advancements that have enabled the transplantation of numerous organs and tissues, saving patients' lives and improving their health. " The Iftaa Department has previously issued rulings and fatwas permitting organ donation, including one on cornea donation in 1984, organ donation in 2010, and partial liver donation in 2011.

//Petra//SS

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