Resolution No.(123)(10/2008): "Ruling on Giving a Kidney"
Date: 29/11/1429 AH, corresponding to 27/11/2008.
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds; and may his blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
In its seventh meeting and on the above date, the Board reviewed the following question:
I`m 37 years old and have been inflicted with diabetes for twenty four years. I also suffer from kidney failure and high blood pressure. Unfortunately, I couldn`t undergo kidney transplantation because the blood group of my brothers , sisters and kinsmen differed from mine. Moreover, I have gone to Malaysia, Egypt, Syria and have contacted people in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and India; however, I wasn`t fortunate enough to undergo that surgery because the law in those countries bans giving a kidney to a person from a different nationality.
I would like to attract your attention to the fact that my health is on the decline and I have reports proving that.
In addition, a friend of mine is willing to give me one of his kidneys for Allah`s sake. Is it permissible for a non-relative to give his kidney to a patient because the latter`s family members have a different blood group?
After researching and deliberating, the Board decided what follows:
Giving a kidney to the (asker) in the above situation isn`t permissible because it is a leap in the dark, it violates Sharia, and there is an available alternative: dialysis. And Allah Knows Best.
Chairman of the Iftaa` Board/ His Grace Dr. Nooh Al-Qhodatt
Vice-Chairman of the Iftaa` Board, Dr. Ahmad Hilayel
Sheikh Abdulkareem Khasawneh/ Member
Sheikh Sa`eed Hijjawi/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Khair Al-`Eesa/ Member
Judge Sari Attieh/ Member
Dr. Abdulrahman Ibdah/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Oklah Al-Ibraheem/ Member
Dr. Abdulnaser Abu Al-Basal/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh/ Executive Secretary of the Iftaa Board