Pig Organs in Muslim Bodies: A Religious and Ethical Dilemma

Pig Organs in Muslim Bodies: A Religious and Ethical Dilemma


29 Mar 2025 • 11:00 AM MYT


Mihar Dias
A behaviourist by training, a consultant and executive coach by profession

I asked ChatGPT to design an illustration! What an excellent conceptual drawing.

By Mihar Dias March 2025


Recent breakthroughs in xenotransplantation—the transplantation of pig kidneys and livers into humans—are offering hope for millions suffering from organ failure. https://newswav.com/A2503_f8EJ8e?s=A_KBL8OfX&language=en


Scientists in China and the U.S. have successfully transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys into humans, with some patients thriving months after surgery.


https://newswav.com/A2503_f8EJ8e?s=A_KBL8OfX&language=en


Researchers are now exploring pig livers as potential life-saving alternatives.


However, for Muslims, these developments present a major ethical and religious dilemma: Can a Muslim accept a pig organ without violating Islamic teachings?


Islamic Perspectives: Prohibited but Permissible in Extreme Cases?


Islamic law strictly prohibits the consumption and use of pig-derived materials, as the Quran explicitly states that pigs are impure (najis) (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:173).


However, Islamic jurisprudence also acknowledges the principle of darurah (necessity), which permits prohibited actions if they are the only means to save a life (Al-Ma'idah 5:3).


This principle has been applied in medical cases, such as the use of porcine heart valves when no halal alternatives exist (Mohd Aznan Md Ariffin et al., 2022).


Fatwas on the issue vary. The Malaysian National Fatwa Council has ruled against the use of pig-derived medical products unless no alternative is available.


Similarly, the Islamic Fiqh Academy has allowed porcine-derived medications under life-threatening conditions (Islamic Fiqh Academy, 1995). Some scholars argue that a pig organ is not being “eaten” and, if transformed for medical purposes, may not be considered impure. However, others maintain that it remains prohibited regardless of necessity.


Ethical and Social Considerations


Beyond religious rulings, accepting a pig organ raises personal and societal concerns.


Would a Muslim be comfortable living with a pig organ? How would it affect funeral rites and burial practices? Would recipients face social stigma?


A major concern is whether Muslim-majority countries will invest in alternatives such as lab-grown human organs or xenotransplantation from other animals like cows.


China’s rapid advancements suggest that Muslim nations like Malaysia and Indonesia must decide soon whether to adopt or reject this technology.


Conclusion: A Decision That Cannot Wait


As science advances, Islamic scholars, bioethicists, and medical professionals must engage in urgent discussions.


The key question remains: Is it more sinful to let a Muslim die when a life-saving option exists, or to use a pig organ to save them? This debate will shape the future of medical treatment in the Muslim world.


This is something we ought to ponder over on Hari Raya with many Muslim Malays still hooked to dialysis machines clinging on to their dear lives!


References


• Mohd Aznan Md Ariffin, Mohd Nazari Ismail, & Wan Jamaluddin Wan Deraman. (2022). "Islamic Ethics on Xenotransplantation: Issues and Challenges." Journal of Islamic Bioethics, 5(1), 12-27.


• Islamic Fiqh Academy. (1995). Resolution on the Use of Haram Substances in Medicine, Session 7, Jeddah.


• The Holy Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:173, Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:3.