Q: I would like to seek clarification regarding the permissibility of blood transfusions, organ transplants, and related medical procedures in Islam. Specifically, I would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What is the ruling on receiving and donating blood?
2. What is the ruling on organ transplantation in general?
3. Is there any ijma on the permissibility of organ transplants, as some individuals claim?
4. Are there differences of opinion regarding organ donation during one’s lifetime versus after death?
A:
1. If there is a need, then it is permissible to donate blood.
2. Our bodies are an amaanat entrusted to us from the side of Allah Ta’ala. We are thus not permitted to deal in them freely as we wish. Instead, we are commanded to deal in them as Allah Ta’ala has commanded us.
Shariah does not allow organ transplants. Hence, it is impermissible for one to donate his organs to someone. However, it is permissible for one to use the organs of animals provided the organs are not from a swine.
3. In the books of Hanafi Fiqh, the Fuqahaa ruled that organ transplant (of human organs) is not permissible.
4. The ruling of both situations is the same (i.e. organ transplant in one's lifetime and after one's death is not permissible).
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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