Singapore Muslims in donor ruling

Singapore's Muslims should be treated as willing organ donors when they die, the country's Islamic authority says.

BBC News - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6919879.stm

Comments:

As the times progress, so does society, and sometimes the notions of “tradition” and “customs” get thrown out of the window. In the past, Muslims were exempt from the donation law, restricting doctors from curing those with organ failure. But now, all this has changed drastically, with a new ruling by the Fatwa Committee.

This, of course, impacts many in our society. Muslims make out 15% of our community, yet only 16000 out of 300000 pledge their organs for donation, making it even more arduous for those with organ failure to receive organ donations. A major change indeed, seeing as religion and tradition play important roles in every person’s life. This, of course, is a turn for the better – a clear example of humanity at work. For the greater good, The Fatwa Committee has issued such a ruling, thus giving those who are in dire straits another silver lining.

However, we have to see from the point of view of those who have been rudely shaken by such a ruling. In any religion, in any community, there are some who see the changes and disregard for customs and tradition as a sign of ill times, not momentous ones. Their worry and views are not without reason, for undoubtedly some Muslims feel that their bodies should still be buried intact, as I their belief. A route out, is, of course available, as Muslims, like everyone else, have a choice to actively opt out of the donation program.

“…will significantly enhance the access of Muslims with organ failure to donated organs" is one of the advantages of this fatwa, and significant it is. With just over 5% of eligible Muslims currently donating their organs after death, it is clear that people who desperately need these organs are in for good news. This is the crux of organ donation, as it is of this new fatwa. Whether or not we can change tradition, or dispose of it entirely, for the betterment of a universal tradition, humanity. Whether we, as people and not as religion or race can benefit ourselves and our world.

There are many various viewpoints that we can see this from – People in need of new organs, The Fatwa Committee, Muslims staunchly rooted in their beliefs and those not as much so. But one thing that I know, for all my limited understanding about other religions, is that this is a turn for the better. Because this is an issue not so much about Muslims as about humans. Who we are, and what we feel for those who need our help, and how we can help them.