Can I donate my organs as a Muslim?

It depends on which scholars you follow, but many allow it. Most major contemporary fiqh councils permit organ donation, both while alive and after death, because saving a life is so highly valued in Islam. A minority of scholars disagree, out of respect for the body. Either way, buying and selling organs is not allowed.

Saving a life is a huge reward

وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَآ أَحْيَا ٱلنَّاسَ جَمِيعًا "And whoever saves one, it is as if he had saved mankind entirely." Quran 5:32

Scholars who allow donation see it as one of the clearest ways to fulfill this verse. A single donor can save or improve several lives.

The view that allows it

Many fiqh councils and scholars, including major bodies in the Muslim world, Europe and the UK, permit donation when:

The donor gives consent freely, during life or in advance.
No money is paid for the organ.
A living donor isn't put at serious risk, for example donating one kidney.
After death, death has been properly confirmed by doctors.

The view that forbids it

Other scholars say our bodies are a trust from Allah, not ours to give away. They point to the hadith: "Breaking a dead man's bone is like breaking it when he is alive" (Sunan Abi Dawud 3207), which teaches respect for the body after death. Some also have concerns about how brain death is defined.

Both views come from sincere scholarship. Choose the one you trust, ideally after speaking to a knowledgeable imam.

Receiving an organ

Almost all scholars allow a Muslim to receive an organ to save their life, including from a non-Muslim donor. Necessity makes it permissible.

Practical steps in the West

Some countries, like England, Wales and Scotland, use an opt-out system, where adults are considered donors unless they register a decision. In the USA, you usually sign up through your state registry or driver's license.

Decide what you believe and register your choice either way.
Tell your family, since they're usually consulted.
Mention in your Islamic will whether you want to donate. See Can I be buried next to my non-Muslim family as a Muslim?

Donation doesn't prevent a Muslim burial. The body can still be washed, shrouded and buried quickly.

Key points

Many contemporary scholars allow organ donation.
A minority forbid it out of respect for the body.
Selling organs is not allowed.
Register your decision and tell your family.

Tip: Whatever you decide, write it down. Grieving families find it much easier when they know exactly what you wanted.