Autopsy from the Perspective of Islamic Jurisprudence
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Abstract
Background and Objective: The permissibility of autopsy, which holds significance in both theoretical and applied medicine, remains a subject of dispute within Islamic jurisprudence. The viewpoint advocating its prohibition is concerned with the potential compromise of essential religious interests (ḍarūriyyāt), while the viewpoint advocating its permissibility carries concerns regarding the violation of human dignity and infliction of harm. The present study has sought to elucidate the perspective that more closely aligns with the fulfillment of the higher objectives (maqāṣid) of Islamic law.
Method: This research was conducted using an objective-oriented (maqāṣidī) approach, through analytical and library-based methodology.
Findings/ Result: The most significant arguments for the viewpoint permitting autopsy include: certain textually-supported issues from earlier jurists, giving precedence to public benefit (maṣlaḥah ʿāmmah) over private benefit (maṣlaḥah khāṣṣah), preferring a lesser harm over a greater harm, and the principle that "whatever is indispensable for fulfilling an obligation becomes itself obligatory." The basis for its prohibition rests on: the obligation to respect human dignity, the prohibition of harming the deceased and their relatives, the prohibition of removing harm by [inflicting] harm, and the suggestion of an alternative.
Conclusion: Permitting autopsy in the disputed context demonstrates greater consideration for achieving the objectives (maqāṣid) of Islamic law. However, the concern regarding the violation of human dignity, which is based on the apparent meanings of scriptural texts (ẓawāhir al-nuṣūṣ), can be justified in favor of these higher objectives. This is because an intervention on the human body, such as an autopsy, constitutes a violation of dignity only when performed for an illegitimate purpose or for a legitimate but non-essential purpose; otherwise, it does not compromise dignity. Evidence for this is the permissibility of therapeutic surgical operations, which are not considered in Islamic law to be a violation of dignity.
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