At my workplace, we recently lost a 20- year old kid that was so full of life and so friendly. He had just started Graduate school and was found dead in his dorm room. He was a non – muslim. (Bio information altered to protect deceased privacy).

Initial autopsy results revealed nothing and so far we are waiting on the Toxicology reports.


Brothers and sisters, I would like to know what the Islamic stand is on things like this. Given the society that we live in, it would be nice to know the right thing to do.

I don't think Islam permits people checking the chemistry of the deceased(if Muslim). He/she is meant to be buried immediately. Why the examination? That's as if you doubt the fact its Allah who takes life and gives it.
Anatomy of a deceased human body is prohibited.

As a muslim, the body must be buried as soon as possible , avoiding the need for embalming or otherwise disturbing the body of the deceased. An autopsy may be performed, if necessary, but should be done with the utmost respect for the dead.

mukina2:

As a muslim, the body must be buried as soon as possible , avoiding the need for embalming or otherwise disturbing the body of the deceased. An autopsy may be performed, if necessary, but should be done with the utmost respect for the dead.

Mukina2, I'll be glad if you can back up this issue with a verse in the Quran or Hadith that you can perform an Autopsy.

Ramadan Kareem

bolar:

Mukina2, I'll be glad if you can back up this issue with a verse in the Quran or Hadith that you can perform an Autopsy.

Ramadan Kareem

The issue regarding autopsy is specifically neither stated in the Quran nor Hadith. It is view amongst the contemporary issue which fatwa on it is base on Ijma. Jurists view its bases on two exceptional cases:

1. Doubtful or suspicious murder cases
2. Environmental diseases or the likes in order to save future occurrence.

According to sharia, autopsy with respect to the above conditions is highly rated than for the body to be buried immediately.

First, Islamic jurists view the evil spread as a result of injustice in the case of murder as enormous than delaying the dead. Thus, Allah warn us of injustice in the following verses:

"O ye who believe! Stand out firmly For justice, as witnesses To Allah, even as against Yourselves, or your parents, Or your kin, and whether It be (against) rich or poor: For Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (Of your hearts), lest ye Swerve, and if ye Distort (justice) or decline To do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted With all that ye do." Qr 4:135

"O ye who believe! Stand out firmly For Allah, as witnesses To fair dealing, and let not The hatred of others To you make you swerve To wrong and depart from Justice. Be just: that is Next to Piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted With all that ye do." Qr 5:8

" And do not kill yourselves(nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is most merciful to you." Qr:4:29

"And whoever commits that through aggression and injustice, We shall cast him into the Fire, and that is easy for Allah" Qr:4:30

Secondly, Islamic jurists view it in the welfarism of entire community towards safeguarding and protecting human life which is more crucial than respect given to the dead.

Allah Aalam.

Salaam Bolar
Ramadan Kareem to you too

Littleb has already done justice to it.


Littleb
Jazakhullah Khairan.