Donating Blood

12-8-2000 | IslamWeb

Question:

Does Islam allow a person to give blood? For example, donating blood at a blood drive.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

First of all, you should know that medical treatment should be done by what is Islamically permissible. It is known that using shed blood is forbidden as mentioned in the Quran; Allah Says (what means): {He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, …} [Quran 2:173].

Allah also Says (what means): {Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, …} [Quran 5:3]

However, if a person is compelled to use the blood of a person, and there is no other way to his treatment, then using it is permissible provided that medical authorities confirm that this is the only way for this treatment. Allah Says after mentioning that blood is forbidden (what means): {But if one is forced by necessity without will disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him.} [Quran 2:173]

Allah also Says (what means): {…while He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity? And surely many do lead (mankind) astray by their own desires through lack of knowledge. Certainly your Lord knows best the transgressors.} [Quran 6:119]

Therefore, it is permissible for a person to donate his blood if this does not cause him any harm. It is also permissible to request this blood from a Muslim or a non-Muslim for the purpose of saving the lives of compelled people be they Muslims or non-Muslims who are not in the state of war with Muslims.

For more benefit on blood donation, please refer to Fataawa 82197, 87533, 129802, 84292, and 83172.

Allah knows best.