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What is the ruling on transplanting pig organs into a human body out of necessity and in the absence of a ritually pure alternative?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Pigs are considered impure by the majority of scholars. Some have based this on the Almighty's saying: "for it is defilement." The Malikis, however, permit the purity of a pig as long as it is alive.

It is not permissible to seek medical treatment using unlawful substances. However, if a patient is compelled to undergo a pig organ transplant and finds no pure alternative, it is permissible due to necessity, based on the Almighty's saying: "But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit] - then there is no sin upon him." A number of contemporary jurists, including Al-Qaradawi, have affirmed the permissibility of organ transplantation from animals when there is a necessity, with Al-Qaradawi specifically stating the permissibility of transplanting pig organs into a human body.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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