Children, organ donation and Islam

Abstract

Although Islamic scholars have debated deceased organ donation many Muslims remain unaware of these debates, or of Islamic rulings on the issue.1 Overall, there has been little public debate about child end-of-life issues, including deceased donation, in any faith groups including the Muslim community. This letter reviews relevant Islamic issues with an aim of stimulating discussion within both the donation and Muslim communities. We hope it can start a process to ensure families have supportive, accurate, empowering information when making donation decisions in their child’s end-of-life care, including understanding consequent effects on others.