Muslim Blood Donation: Islamic Ruling and Sharʿi Guidance
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah (Tawḍīḥ al-Aḥkām), Vol. 2, p. 244
Question:
Can a Muslim donate blood to another Muslim in order to save his life, when Allah ﷻ has stated in the Qur’an that a Muslim’s life, wealth, and blood are forbidden for another Muslim?
The second aspect of the question is: if a Muslim is allowed to give blood to another Muslim, can he also give it to a Christian, and can a Christian give blood to a Muslim?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʿAmma Baʿd!
◈ A Muslim is permitted to donate blood to another Muslim in order to save his life.
◈ The Holy Qur’an clearly states:
﴿وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا﴾
And whoever saves one life, it is as if he had saved all mankind.
(Sūrah al-Māʾidah: 32)
◈ This noble verse is decisive proof that saving a human life is a source of reward.
◈ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"The life, wealth, and blood of a Muslim are sacred upon another Muslim."
◈ The meaning of this Hadith is:
✿ It is prohibited to kill a Muslim or unjustly take his wealth.
✿ It does not mean that a Muslim cannot donate a small amount of blood to someone in need.
✿ When blood donation neither causes bodily harm nor poses a risk of death, this Hadith does not apply to such a case.
◈ Regarding a Muslim donating blood to a non-believer (e.g., a Christian) or receiving blood from a non-believer:
✿ This matter is not permissible without the fatwa of a reliable and sound-believing scholar.
✿ In cases of extreme necessity, it is obligatory to consult a trustworthy scholar from one’s locality.
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah (Tawḍīḥ al-Aḥkām), Vol. 2, p. 244
Donating Blood to Save the Life of a Muslim
Question:
Can a Muslim donate blood to another Muslim in order to save his life, when Allah ﷻ has stated in the Qur’an that a Muslim’s life, wealth, and blood are forbidden for another Muslim?
The second aspect of the question is: if a Muslim is allowed to give blood to another Muslim, can he also give it to a Christian, and can a Christian give blood to a Muslim?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʿAmma Baʿd!
Blood Donation to Save a Muslim’s Life
◈ A Muslim is permitted to donate blood to another Muslim in order to save his life.
◈ The Holy Qur’an clearly states:
﴿وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا﴾
And whoever saves one life, it is as if he had saved all mankind.
(Sūrah al-Māʾidah: 32)
◈ This noble verse is decisive proof that saving a human life is a source of reward.
Understanding the Hadith and Its Context
◈ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"The life, wealth, and blood of a Muslim are sacred upon another Muslim."
◈ The meaning of this Hadith is:
✿ It is prohibited to kill a Muslim or unjustly take his wealth.
✿ It does not mean that a Muslim cannot donate a small amount of blood to someone in need.
✿ When blood donation neither causes bodily harm nor poses a risk of death, this Hadith does not apply to such a case.
Blood Donation Between Muslims and Non-Muslims
◈ Regarding a Muslim donating blood to a non-believer (e.g., a Christian) or receiving blood from a non-believer:
✿ This matter is not permissible without the fatwa of a reliable and sound-believing scholar.
✿ In cases of extreme necessity, it is obligatory to consult a trustworthy scholar from one’s locality.
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
