Sharia Law and Organ Transplantation

Abstract

"Jurisprudence, fiqh, holds a dominant position in Muslim ethical discourse and in defining moral and legal obligations. Islam, in the absence of the concept of a central church, has a strong tradition of ikhtilaf al-fiqh. Muslim jurists can offer diverse opinions on issues including those related to biomedical science through their interpretation of the Sharia. Juristic rulings on human organ transplantation, ranging from consensus to dissent, are discussed. A narrative is included of the Pakistan Federal Shariat Court ’s proceedings and judgment in response to a petition challenging the national Transplantation of Organs and Tissues Ordinance as being repugnant to Sharia"