By Eniola Akinwande
Nigerian Muslims have been encouraged to show interest and participate actively, in organ donation to the needy, just as the gesture is recognised by Islam as an act of charity.
Similarly, when participating in the process, the faithful, including medical experts and donours have been urged to be conscious of their intention and follow Islamic principles, so as to earn the full reward in life and hereafter.
The Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of Our Friend Hospital, Dr Muhammed-Isa Abdul Mujeeb, made the call while delivering lecture titled: “Navigating the complexities of organ donation and harvesting: Legal, Ethical and Islamic Perspectives, at The Companion (Association of Muslim men in business and the professions) Lagos District 2025 Midterm Conference Public Lecture, on Saturday.
Speaking on the Islamic principles relating to the process, the Medical practitioner stated that, Islam gives credence to life and body, that the human body is a trust, and as such, it’s expected to be accorded respect in life and death.
He affirmed that Islam allows organ donation, as it encourages seeking legal cure; recognises the principle of necessity – which accommodates “daurura” – a ruling which allows exceptions to general rules, especially when human life is at stake.
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The physician stressed on intention of the action – asserting that organ donation motivated by altruism and saving of lives, aligns with the Islamic values of charity and compassion.
While noting thaat the mostly donated organs, include kidneys and lungs, among others, Dr AbdulMujeeb stated that the Islamic rulings on the act, provide that the donation must not cause harm to the donour and the process must be with the valid consent – permission from donour or family.
He warned that organ donation should not be for profit making, just as Islam prohibits organ trading or to be done for financial incentives.
He added that Islam rules that there should be medical necessity – a clear need for organ transplantation with no alternatives.
He listed the benefits of organ donation which include saving of life; restoring health; giving emotional reward to donour and impacting positively on the society.
Dr AbdulMujeeb encouraged Muslims to be positively disposed to ethical organ donation, as it is considered under the Islamic rulings as an act that save life; an act of charity and a charity gesture which rewards to donour is everlasting – described in Islam as “Sadaqah Jariyah”.