Liver transplant
Question:-
I have been diagnosed with a rare liver disease about 10 years ago. According to the specialist doctors, there is no cure for this disease and the eventual outcome is a liver transplant. The doctor, a Muslim specialist, conduct regular test in order to determine the state of my liver. Recently, there has been significant damage to my liver.
We ask Allah Ta’ala for Shifa, but in the eventually that my liver damage is so severe and the specialist recommends that a liver transplant is necessary, will it be permitted in shariah to accept a transplant. Studies indicate that the sick person’s health will improve with the transplant.
With a liver transplant, a portion of a living person’s liver is given to the sick person and the liver grows in the sick person. The donors’ liver will also grow again. Can Muftisahib also elaborate on the following:
1. Conditions required to perform a transplant
2. Is there a difference in the opinion of ulama regarding organ transplants?
3.The rules applicable for accepting an organ from a living donor that is either known or unknown to the sick person.
Answer:-
All conditions are from Allah Ta’ala and we, as Muslims, should always be pleased with the decision of Allah Ta’ala. The Shariah has not permitted the transplantation of any organs (from one human to another). The human body does not belong to us, it has in fact been entrusted to us from Allah Ta’ala. We are therefore required to utilize the human body as required by Almighty Allah.
When the body doesn’t belong to us, it is not permissible for one to donate his/ her organs, nor is it permissible for one to accept the organs of another to be planted in one’s body. The scholars have written that if one goes ahead with such a procedure, then both the donor and the recipient will be sinful. [Re:- Kitaabun Nawaaazil Pg.222 Vol.16]
Secondly, there is absolutely no guarantee that one will be healthy and well after the transplant. Health and illness is purely in the Hands of Allah Ta’ala, hence, we should turn our attention to Allah Ta’ala and rely solely on him. There was a young student from abroad studying to be an Aalim here in South Africa. His condition deteriorated and doctors advised that a transplant be carried out. His parents, obviously being concerned, went ahead with the transplant, but the decree of Allah was otherwise. He passed away a day after the transplant.
It is recorded in a narration,
عن الأسود بن يزيد، عن عبد الله قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: ” داووا مرضاكم بالصدقة، وحصنوا أموالكم بالزكاة، وأعدوا للبلاء الدعاء (سنن الكبري للبيهقي)
Cure your ill through Sadaqah, protect your wealth by discharging Zakaat and repel difficulties through Dua.
In conclusion, we suggest that you discharge Sadaqah regularly, and earnestly supplicate before Allah Ta’ala, as Allah Ta’ala has the full ability and power to cure you of all illnesses.