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Open Access 01-08-2016 | Philosophical Exploration

A Response to the Legitimacy of Brain Death in Islam

Authors: Mohamed Y. Rady, Joseph L. Verheijde

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 4/2016

Abstract

Brain death is a novel construct of death for the procurement of transplantable organs. Many authoritative Islamic organizations and governments have endorsed brain death as true death for organ donation. Many commentators have reiterated the misconception that the Quranic text does not define death. We respond by clarifying: (1) the Quran does define death as biologic disintegration and clearly distinguishes it from the dying process, (2) brain death belongs scientifically within the spectrum of neurologic disorders of consciousness and should not be confused with death, and (3) religious and legal discord about brain death has grown in jurisdictions worldwide. We urge for public transparency and truthfulness about brain death and the accommodation and respect of religious objection to the determination of death by neurologic criteria.

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Title: A Response to the Legitimacy of Brain Death in Islam
Authors: Mohamed Y. Rady
Joseph L. Verheijde
Publication date: 01-08-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 4/2016
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-016-0221-z

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A Response to the Legitimacy of Brain Death in Islam

Abstract

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Springer Medicine

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