In Islam, the body of a human being must be honoured and respected. This importance is derived from the Holy Qur’an wherein Almighty Allah says: “And verily we have honoured the children of Adam.” (Surah al-Isra, V.70)
It is a principle of Islamic Law that the entire body, including all organs, limbs, body parts and tissues, are considered sacred and should be treated with respect. Islam prohibits mutilating and disfiguring the body.
This dignity and respect is applicable whilst there is life in the body and continues after demise. Therefore, Islamic law ordains the burial of the deceased in a dignified manner and prohibits the cremation of the body and incineration of its parts.
Hence, the placenta, navel-cord, severed limbs, removed organs and miscarried foetuses should be respectfully buried, since these are parts of the human body.
Incinerating these body parts or disposing them in any other way besides burying them is prohibited according to Islamic Law.
Appropriate measures for the safe handling and disposal of these parts should be made in conjunction with the respective Burial Councils.
