Can a Muslim receive an organ transplant?

Yes, in most cases. Most contemporary scholars and fiqh councils allow a Muslim to receive an organ transplant, because it is medical treatment that can save or greatly improve a life. The organ should come from a willing donor, never be bought or sold, and the benefit should outweigh the risks. This article looks at it from the patient's side.

Accepting treatment is encouraged

When some Bedouin asked the Prophet ﷺ whether they should use medical treatment, he replied: "Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, with the exception of one disease, namely old age" (Sunan Abi Dawud 3855). He also said: "There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5678).

A transplant is one of the treatments modern medicine has found for organ failure. A patient who accepts an organ is not sinning, and most scholars see it as permissible, even praiseworthy, when life or health depends on it.

Conditions scholars mention

A real medical need, advised by trusted doctors, with a reasonable chance of success.
Free and informed consent. A living donor must give willingly, and the donation must not put the donor's own life at serious risk. If the organ comes from someone who has died, scholars require that they or their family agreed.
No buying or selling. Trading in organs, and paying vulnerable people to give them, is not allowed. This includes "transplant tourism" that exploits the poor.

The donor's side is covered in Can I donate my organs as a Muslim?

What about scholars who disagree?

A minority of scholars object to taking organs from the dead, because the Prophet ﷺ said: "Breaking a dead man's bone is like breaking it when he is alive" (Sunan Abi Dawud 3207). It teaches that a believer's body deserves respect after death. Most scholars and fiqh councils reply that a respectful transplant to save a life is different from harming a body, and that saving a life carries greater weight. Accepting an organ from a living donor is not controversial in the same way.

Organs from animals

Tissues from animals, such as heart valves, are sometimes used. If they come from a pig, many scholars allow this when no alternative exists, using the principle of necessity (Quran 2:173). Ask your doctor about the options, and a trusted imam for guidance on your case.

Facing the wait and the surgery

Make dua for healing and for the donor and their family. Giving charity on the donor's behalf is a kind way to say thanks.
Tell the transplant team about your faith, such as your need for prayer space and halal meals.
Ask about fasting. After a transplant, medicine often follows a strict schedule, and illness is a valid reason to make up fasts later.

For prayer during a hospital stay, see How do I pray in hospital? For coping with long illness, see How do I cope with chronic illness as a Muslim?

Key points

Receiving an organ transplant is permitted by most scholars as medical treatment.
The organ must come with consent and must not be bought or sold.
A minority objects to organs from the dead, but most councils allow it to save life.
Ask your doctor and a trusted imam about special cases such as animal organs.

Tip: Tell your family now that you accept transplant treatment if you need it, so they can support you quickly if time is short.