Taking samples from the bodies of the deceased to be kept at the Forensic Medicine Center
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Fatwa No. ( 21710 )
Q: We inform you that the Forensic Medicine Center in Hail is establishing a forensic medicine museum, which will include samples, images, and information about forensic medicine. Among the samples we wish to display are samples and parts of some of the deceased, in which scientific facts are clearly evident. These samples will be preserved with a preservative substance and displayed in a special location. Please note that the importance of these samples lies in: first, their rarity; and second, their educational importance for those involved in medical investigations, such as a piece of bone pierced by a bullet. We will also display photographic images of some forensic medicine cases in which forensic medical signs are clearly evident. We will ensure that the private parts and facial images are concealed, in order to preserve the dignity of the deceased. Therefore, we ask you to advise us on this matter so that our actions do not conflict with the pure Shari'ah. May Allah reward you with good.
A: It is not permissible to keep parts of a human body that have been separated from it; rather, it is obligatory
to bury them, due to the sanctity of the human being and the obligation to protect his parts from desecration. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: , and he said: Sunan Ibn Majah 1616Hasan (Darussalam) . And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: We inform you that the Forensic Medicine Center in Hail is establishing a forensic medicine museum, which will include samples, images, and information about forensic medicine. Among the samples we wish to display are samples and parts of some of the deceased, in which scientific facts are clearly evident. These samples will be preserved with a preservative substance and displayed in a special location. Please note that the importance of these samples lies in: first, their rarity; and second, their educational importance for those involved in medical investigations, such as a piece of bone pierced by a bullet. We will also display photographic images of some forensic medicine cases in which forensic medical signs are clearly evident. We will ensure that the private parts and facial images are concealed, in order to preserve the dignity of the deceased. Therefore, we ask you to advise us on this matter so that our actions do not conflict with the pure Shari'ah. May Allah reward you with good.
A: It is not permissible to keep parts of a human body that have been separated from it; rather, it is obligatory
to bury them, due to the sanctity of the human being and the obligation to protect his parts from desecration. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
The sanctity of a Muslim in death is like his sanctity in life
حرمة المسلم ميتًا كحرمته حيًّاBreaking the bones of the deceased is like breaking his bones when he is alive.
كسر عظم الميت ككسره حيًّا
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.