Fatwa #1119615 April 2004South Africa
Is it permissable for a muslim doctor to perform post-mortems to earn a living? will this be regarded as a halaal source of income? please clarify.
Answer
The human body is sacred and cutting it is contrary to its sanctity. In addition to the cutting and mutilation of the body, a post-mortem also results in the private parts of a human being, albeit a dead one, being exposed, which is a shameless act.
On account of legal requirements, Muslims are compelled to undergo post-mortems and in light of the fact that it is a legal requirement, there could be some leeway for a doctor to perform a post-mortem, especially if he will be able to aid in the quick release of the body and minimise mutilation to the corpse.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
On account of legal requirements, Muslims are compelled to undergo post-mortems and in light of the fact that it is a legal requirement, there could be some leeway for a doctor to perform a post-mortem, especially if he will be able to aid in the quick release of the body and minimise mutilation to the corpse.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai