Faith Perspective
There are many questions about our faith and beliefs and how these impact us and our decision on becoming organ donors.
JHOD together with NHSBT has worked with faith leaders and communities to build trust, raise awareness, explore questions around organ and tissue donation, and discuss how organ donation can proceed in line with faith or beliefs.
Organ donation is a gift of life. You will still have the right to choose whether or not to be an organ donor. The family of a potential organ donor will always be approached to discuss the option of organ donation and any questions your family might have about the organ donation process will be addressed, including how your faith, beliefs or culture will be respected and all information will be kept confidential.
There are many questions about our faith and beliefs and how these impact us and our decision on becoming an organ donor.
JHOD together with NHSBT has worked with faith leaders and communities to build trust, raise awareness, explore questions around organ and tissue donation, and discuss how organ donation can proceed in line with faith or beliefs.
Organ donation is a gift of life. You will still have the right to choose whether or not to be an organ donor. The family of a potential organ donor will always be approached to discuss the option of organ donation and any questions your family might have about the organ donation process will be addressed, including how your faith, beliefs or culture will be respected and all information will be kept confidential.
Did You Know?
We know that organs from the same ethnic group are much more likely to be a match for the recipient.
Waiting times for Asians are longer than for white people because of a shortage of donors from the Asian community.
What does Jainism say?
Jains believe that karma decides which way the soul will go in the next life and that the soul (Aatma) and the body are two separate entities. In saving lives i.e., ‘Live and help others to Live’. To help others, we may ‘pass on’ our organs after death.
Jain scriptures, faith and community leaders support organ donation and indicate that the donation of organs is in line with fundamental Jain principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Jiv-Daya (compassion) and Abhay-Daan (eliminating the threat to life).
What does Hinduism say?
There are many references that support organ donation in Hindu scriptures. Daan is the original word in Sanskrit for donation meaning selfless giving. It is also third in the list of the ten Niyamas (virtuous acts).
Life after death is a strong belief of Hindus and is an ongoing process of rebirth. The law of Karma decides which way the soul will go in the next life.
Key questions often asked:
Will it be possible to have a usual funeral after donation?
Yes, the specialist transplant team takes great care during the donation operation to ensure that the body is ready for Jain funeral rites and there are no delays to the funeral arrangements.
What do Jain faith leaders say:
“The full importance of human life can only be realised with its compassion to all living beings. This also includes donating one’s organs whilst living and certainly after death.”
Param Pujya Bhaishree Nalinbhai Kothari Spiritual Head: Shree Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal
“With the donation of organs, it is now possible to reduce the pain and suffering of people. Organ donation is a highly spiritual act-it helps others live even after we have left our own bodies. I encourage more and more people to take the active step of participating in this noble deed.”
Param Pujya Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji of Veerayatan
We have a wide range of resources available for your reference.
Key questions that are often asked:
Does the process of organ donation interfere with reincarnation?
No. This is because the soul leaves the body immediately following death. Hindus believe that after death the soul is not part of the body that will have been cremated.
Will it be possible to arrange full funeral arrangements after donation?
Yes, specialist organ retrieval surgeons take great care in removing organs and ensuring the body is ready for funeral arrangements. As organ donation and subsequent transplantation are time-sensitive, this means there will not be any delay in arranging the funeral arrangements.
What do Hindu faith leaders say:
“To donate an organ is truly a selfless act of Sewa and is something that every person who is able to, should think about”. – HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, Spiritual Head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
“The best daan you can give is the daan of the body – be selfless.” – Nila Madhav Das, Minister of Religion, Hare Krishna Temple, Watford
“Daan is an act of selfless giving. Our religion has no barriers to Ang Daan (organ donation)”. – Mahendrabhai Pandya Head Priest Jalaram Temple, Leicester
We have a wide range of resources including leaflet and videos.
Faith and Belief Donor Cards
Donor cards are a great way to show you support organ donation and can be used to prompt a conversation with those who matter to you.
If you have already recorded a donation decision and have not yet recorded any information about whether or not you would like the NHS to speak to your family about how organ donation can go ahead in line with your faith or beliefs, you can amend your registration online, or contact NHSBT on 0300 123 23 23 and they will be happy to update your record. If you live in England, you can also update your registration using the NHS App.
