KARACHI: Leading Islamic scholars and medical experts convened at a seminar organized by Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) to explore the religious and ethical implications of organ donation in cases of brain death. The seminar resulted in a joint declaration stating that organ donation after death is permissible in Islam, particularly when it involves individuals declared brain-dead, and can serve as an act of ongoing charity.
The declaration highlighted that organ donation, when conducted with proper consent and adherence to ethical standards, is not only allowed but encouraged as a charitable act in Islamic teachings. Scholars emphasized the necessity of raising awareness among Muslims regarding the spiritual rewards associated with organ donation.
Participants at the seminar called on healthcare institutions and policymakers to establish clear guidelines supporting organ donation while addressing religious and ethical concerns. Speakers included Allama Raghib Hussain Naeemi, Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), former CII chairman Allama Muhammad Khan Sherani, and other prominent scholars and medical professionals.
DUHS Vice-Chancellor Professor Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, in his welcome address, underscored that organ transplantation is a significant humanitarian act, aligning with Islam’s regard for the sanctity of human life. He emphasized the vital role of religious scholars in guiding such critical matters.
Allama Naeemi clarified that brain death should be confirmed by medical professionals before making decisions regarding life support removal. He explained that organ donation becomes permissible with prior consent or family approval once brain death is declared, and that reusing life-support equipment for patients with better survival prospects is a life-saving measure.
Allama Sherani acknowledged the permissibility of organ donation in Islam, urging careful conduct due to ethical complexities. He stressed the importance of honesty and fairness in handling such sensitive issues.
Allama Shahenshah Naqvi reiterated that saving lives through organ donation is permissible under Islamic law, provided the donor is unharmed. He noted that medical advancements, like animal-to-human transplants, should prioritize human life over the halal status of the donor animal.
Mufti Ramzan Sialvi highlighted the Islamic principle of choosing the lesser harm, stating organ donation is permissible if the deceased’s dignity is upheld. Mufti Mazhar Fareed Shah echoed this, emphasizing the donor’s intention and respectful handling of organs.
Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Shahtaz cautioned against unnecessary experimentation on deceased bodies, advocating for artificial organs to uphold human dignity.
Dr. Rashid bin Hamid pointed out that organ donation could save nearly 50,000 lives annually in Pakistan, calling for increased public awareness to support this life-saving practice. The seminar concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields to participating scholars by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Quraishy, on behalf of Dow University.