Corneal implant
Question:-
What is the ruling in regard to the latest advancement in ophthalmology concerning a corneal implant? Is it permissible?
Answer:-
We understand that researchers have developed a corneal implant from the collagen protein of pig skin. The implant restored the vision of 20 people with diseased corneas. The new implant can be a viable alternative to human cornea transplant.
Our Fatwa department doesn’t approve of transplanting organs from one human to another. Yes, if the organ of a human being has become non-functional, and the only way of assisting the patient is by having an organ transplanted, then transplanting the organ of an animal (to the patient) is acceptable (if it is an option), with the proviso that the animal (from which the organ is transplanted) is permissible to consume in the Shariah and has been slaughtered in accordance to the Shari’ee requirements of slaughtering.
Similarly, if there is fear of one losing his life or an organ, then transplanting the organ of an animal that cannot be consumed in terms of Shariah, or that hasn’t been slaughtered in accordance to Shariah,.will become permissible (with the exception of swine).
If there isn’t a strong possibility of one losing his life, then one will not be permitted to utilize any portion of the swine. It will only be permissible for one to utilize the swine as treatment when one is compelled to do so (to save a life). [Re:- Fataawa Darul Uloom Zakariyya Pg. Vol.6] This type of a need does not exist in patients suffering from corneal blindness, as there is no fear of one losing his life. Yes, we do agree that there is a degree of inconvenience for the patient but one is still able to live and continue with most of his daily tasks. In a study conducted in 2015, it was found that there are 253 million people in the world suffering from visual impairment. Of these 253 million, 36 million were blind, yet life continues as normal for them. A large number of people are born blind, yet they achieve far more than what the general masses are able to achieve, which again indicates that they are able to lead normal lives in spite of their impaired vision. There is a Kitaab titled ‘Naa Beenaa Ulama’ (Blind Ulama) that has recorded the names of blind people that excelled in the field of Islamic education and, in fact, graduated as excellent Ulama. At the same time, Jannat has been promised for those that lose their sight and are patient on their difficulty. In conclusion, utilizing the corneal implant derived from the collagen protein of pig skin, will not be permissible.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 16 Muharram 1444 / 15 August 2022