Question

Are organ transplants permitted in Islam? In my case I am told that a corneal transplant might restore vision in the one eye but I understand that the cornea to be transplanted would be obtained from a deceased donor. In the circumstances, would it be permissable in Islam?

Answer

There is a difference of opinion amongst contemporary scholars in regards to donating one’s organs and procuring organs after one has passed away. Some scholars have prohibited these practices whereas others have permitted certain types of donations subject to specific conditions. As for being a recipient of an already  donated graft, this would be permissible as the reasons of prohibition found in donating are not found when receiving the graft.

Answered by:
Ifta Research Fellow

Checked & Approved by:
Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
Mufti Zubair Patel