The Sunday Mail
Desire Ncube
While Christianity, Islam and Hinduism support organ, blood and tissue donations as the highest expressions of compassion and generosity, several people still struggle in accepting the practice.
Members of the traditional African religion have conflicting views on the subject.
Traditionalist and Zinatha secretary for research, Sekuru Elisha Mutanga, said blood transfusion is forbidden, especially amongst black Africans.
He said blood is life and it carries the identity of individuals.
“When God wants to bless an individual, He does so through the ancestral linage and blood.
“When Satan or evil spirits wants to avenge, they also use the same linage. What then happens when people inter-change their blood?” he queried.
Sekuru Mutanga said people, including himself, should never seek to extend life through blood donations.
He however said the choice lies with the donor and the recepeint.
“With the advent of technology and modern medical adventure, people are doing everything to survive and no one can stop them, but it is very important for people to have the knowledge of the consequences,” he said.
Mr January Marandure concurred with Sekuru Mutanga, saying those who donate or receive blood for whatever reason are trading a few more years here on earth for eternal condemnation.
But Sekuru Friday Chisanyu, president of the Zimbabwe National Practitioners Association, disputed this, saying blood transfusion does not put any recipient at risk of spiritual attacks, but saves their lives.
“People are not attacked with evil spirits through blood, they are attacked through the spirit and therefore organ or blood donation is not a problem,” he said, stressing the need to make sure that any donated blood is not infected with any disease before transfusion.
Harare based theologian Mr Innocent Sibanda said Christians can donate and receive donated blood if there is a desperate need to do so.
“If there is no other alternative and this has been prescribed by a medical practitioner, it is allowed. There is nowhere in the Bible where it is described as a sin,” Mr Sibanda said.
A Jehovah’s Witnesses follower who spoke on condition of anonymity said blood transfusion is not allowed in their church.
He however said they do not oppose donation of organs “provided that the organs and tissues are completely drained of blood before transplantation”.
“Donation is not encouraged but is a matter of individual conscience,” said the Jehovah’s Witness. Lutheran pastor, Last Dude, said his church has no official policy regarding such donations, hence the decision is made by individuals.
Roman Catholic Priest, Father Francis Musvetu said transplants are considered ethically and morally acceptable by the Vatican and donation is encouraged as an act of charity.
He quoted Pope John Paul II who said, “With the advent of organ transplantation, which began with blood transfusion, man has found a way to give of himself, of his blood and of his body, so that others may continue to live.”
Fr Musvetu added, “The medical act of transplantation makes possible the donor’s act of self-giving, that sincere gift of self which expresses our constitutive calling to love and communion,” he said.
Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, Reverend Tawanda Sungai said the issue may not have a conclusive position as directed by scriptures.
He said people need to look at the issue of blood from an Old Testament perspective since blood is the source of life.
Rev Sungai said many of those who do not support organ and blood donations seem to build their argument from Leviticus 17v14.
“The verse specifies that, ‘ For the life of all flesh is in its blood, for life thereof. I said unto the children of Israel you shall not eat the blood of no manner flesh, for the life of all flesh is in the blood. Whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.
“However, eating or drinking blood can not be equated to blood transfusion. Donated blood is used to serve human life,” he said.
Mr Abdullah Makwinja said the majority of Muslim scholars belonging to various schools of Islamic law have invoked the principle of priority of saving human life based on the Qur’aan (5:32) to allow blood donation and transfusion.
He said the teachings of Islam which dignifies and honours human life commands Muslims to do their best in respecting and preserving life.
“The Holy Qur’aan 5:32, God the Almighty says, ‘….and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.”
“This makes it obligatory for believers to do all they can to save a life without any prejudice and without jeopardising another life,” Mr Makwinja said.
“The Holy Prophet said that God will not show mercy to one who does not show mercy to other human beings. Islam places a great importance on value of life. There is no differentiation of faith, creed, gender, and colour or any other merits or prejudices when it comes to saving life,” he said. Mr Makwinja however stressed that blood donation and transfusion is not permissible for the sake of beautification or for any other reason other than genuine necessity. Among the Hindus, there is no law that prohibits organ or tissue donation.
The faith’s tradition allows use of body parts to benefit others, and there are no religious constraints to living or deceased donations. However, it leaves room for individual decision.
