FatwaFederal TerritoriesFunerals & Death
IRSYAD HUKUM KE-94 : HUKUM MELAKUKAN AUTOPSI KE ATAS MAYAT
What is the ruling on performing an autopsy on a deceased Muslim?
Short answer
The default ruling on dissecting a corpse is prohibited, since the dignity of the deceased must be protected as in life.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Federal Territories Mufti Office
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Irsyad al-Hukum (Umum)
- Topic
- Funerals & Death
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
The default ruling on dissecting a corpse is prohibited, since the dignity of the deceased must be protected as in life. It is permitted in cases of necessity and urgent need, such as determining the cause of death, studying diseases, and medical education and research. The public interest takes precedence over the private interest of the deceased. Medical practitioners are advised to preserve dignity, act only when necessary, use alternatives where available, and respect the family's decision.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Hukum asal pembedahan mayat adalah haram tetapi dibolehkan dalam keadaan darurat dan terdapat keperluan yang mendesak seperti membuat kajian terhadap penyakit, mengenalpasti punca kematian, serta penyelidikan dan pendidikan khususnya dalam bidang perubatan.
Read the full fatwa on the Federal Territories website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Federal Territories Mufti Office. “IRSYAD HUKUM KE-94 : HUKUM MELAKUKAN AUTOPSI KE ATAS MAYAT”, 18 November 2015. https://muftiwp.gov.my/ms/artikel/irsyad-hukum/umum/1475-irsyad-al-fatwa-ke-94-hukum-melakukan-autopsi-ke-atas-mayat. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-on-autopsy-of-a-deceased-person/