KARACHI: Leading Islamic scholars and medical professionals at a seminar on Thursday discussed the ethical and religious dimensions of brain death and deceased organ donation in Islam.

The event, organised by the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), concluded with the signing of a joint declaration affirming that Islam permits donation of organs after death, particularly in cases of brain death, as a means to save or improve other human lives.

The declaration emphasised that deceased organ donation, with proper family consent and ethical compliance, is not only allowed but also considered as an act of Sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity) in Islam.

The scholars agreed on the importance of raising awareness among Muslims about the permissibility and spiritual reward associated with organ donation.

Participants urged healthcare institutions and policymakers to develop clear guidelines supporting organ donation while addressing religious and ethical concerns.

Aspects of brain death, organ donation discussed at DUHS seminar

In his welcome address, DUHS Vice Chancellor Prof Saeed Quraishy said Islam places great importance on the sanctity of human life, and thus, organ transplantation is not merely a medical procedure but a significant act of service to humanity. He stressed the importance of religious scholars’ input on such critical matters.

Allama Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi, chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), explained that brain death should be confirmed by doctors before any decision to remove life support is made. He clarified that once brain death is declared, the ventilator can be removed, and organ donation can proceed with prior consent or the family’s approval. In such cases, he pointed out, using the ventilator for another patient with a higher survival chance is a life-saving act.

Former CII chairman Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani acknowledged that Islam permits organ donation but urged that the process be carried out with utmost caution, given the ethical complexities involved.

“Honesty and fairness are critical, especially in such sensitive matters,” he noted.

Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi emphasised that since Islam highly values the sanctity of life, organs can be donated, provided that the donor is not harmed. He also addressed emerging medical advancements, including the transplantation of animal organs into humans, saying that saving human life takes precedence over the halal/haram status of the donor animal.

Mufti Muhammad Ramzan Sialvi referred to the Islamic legal principle of choosing the lesser of two harms, stating that organ donation is permissible if the dignity of the deceased is preserved. Mufti Mazhar Fareed stressed upon the importance of the donor’s intention and the respectful handling of organs.

Prof Noor Ahmed Shahtaz warned against using deceased bodies for unnecessary experiments, especially when artificial organs are available, reaffirming the need to respect human dignity.

Published in Dawn, April 11th, 2025