Approaching Organ Transplant in Islam from a Multidimensional Framework

The subject of organ transplant has been highly contested within Islam. Though the majority of Muslims now accept the validity of the practice from both live and deceased donors, this is by no means a universal consensus. In particular Islamic contexts, the subject of organ transplant remains a major subject of debate. Intertwined with the debate of organ transplant is the sensitive and complex issue of what constitutes death. Bioethical decision-making in Islam takes place within a multi-dimensional framework of authorities and themes. With no central authoritative body for the Islamic community, general consensus on bioethical matters is difficult to locate. The central thesis of this article is that because Islamic bioethics takes place within a multidimensional framework, there remains no common consensus on the question of organ transplant. Though a majority of Muslims have accepted the practice, others continue to find it haram, or forbidden