AZE.US
The decision by the family of a well-known blogger to donate the organs of his deceased sister has sparked public debate in Azerbaijan over whether organ donation is permitted under Islam.
Theologian Akram Hasanov said Islamic scholars do not hold a single position on the issue. Some consider organ transplantation permissible under specific conditions, while others argue that it may conflict with religious rules governing the human body after death.
According to Hasanov, the question should be assessed through one of Islam’s central principles, the protection of human life.
He noted that the Quran describes saving one person’s life as being comparable to saving all of humanity. From this perspective, an organ transplant that preserves a patient’s life may be viewed as both permissible and morally commendable.
“If transplantation is carried out to save a life and the donor or the donor’s family has given consent, it may be considered permissible. Such an act does not contradict the principles of mercy and helping others,” Hasanov said.
The use of organs after brain death remains one of the most debated aspects of the issue. Hasanov said many contemporary Islamic scholars recognize brain death as legal and religious death when it has been conclusively confirmed by medical professionals.
Under those circumstances, organ donation may be allowed.
Living donation may also be permissible when a person voluntarily donates a kidney or another organ and the procedure does not place the donor’s own life or health at serious risk.
“If a person donates an organ to save someone else and does not endanger their own life, the act may be considered permissible and virtuous. However, Islam does not allow a person to inflict serious harm on themselves,” Hasanov said.
He added that organ trafficking, coercion, removal without consent, medical abuse and disrespectful treatment of a deceased person’s body are prohibited both religiously and ethically.
Hasanov concluded that Islam does not impose either a blanket ban or unrestricted approval of organ donation. The ruling depends on the purpose of the procedure, the donor’s consent, medical risks and respect for human dignity.
AZE.US