Stories and values: selflessness and solidarity
Giving blood is a modern act, but its values are old: selflessness (ithar), solidarity (takaful) and charity. Here are authentic stories from the Sunna.
Selflessness: the Ansari's guest
وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌ
Quran, Surah al-Hashr (59), verse 9A man came to the Prophet ﷺ, and his households had nothing but water. A man of the Ansar took him home, where there was only the children's supper. They put the children to bed, put out the lamp and pretended to eat so the guest could eat, and went to bed hungry. This verse was revealed about them (al-Bukhari). Meaning: they prefer others over themselves, even when they are in need.
Solidarity: the Ash'aris
إِنَّ الأَشْعَرِيِّينَ إِذَا أَرْمَلُوا فِي الْغَزْوِ، أَوْ قَلَّ طَعَامُ عِيَالِهِمْ بِالْمَدِينَةِ جَمَعُوا مَا كَانَ عِنْدَهُمْ فِي ثَوْبٍ وَاحِدٍ، ثُمَّ اقْتَسَمُوهُ بَيْنَهُمْ فِي إِنَاءٍ وَاحِدٍ بِالسَّوِيَّةِ، فَهُمْ مِنِّي وَأَنَا مِنْهُمْ
Sahih al-Bukhari 2486, from Abu Musa al-Ash'ariWhen food ran short, they gathered what they had in one sheet and shared it out equally, and the Prophet ﷺ said: they are from me and I am from them (meaning). A blood bank is like that sheet: everyone puts in a little, and whoever is in need finds some.
The one body
مَثَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فِي تَوَادِّهِمْ وَتَرَاحُمِهِمْ وَتَعَاطُفِهِمْ مَثَلُ الْجَسَدِ إِذَا اشْتَكَى مِنْهُ عُضْوٌ تَدَاعَى لَهُ سَائِرُ الْجَسَدِ بِالسَّهَرِ وَالْحُمَّى
Sahih Muslim 2586, from al-Nu'man ibn BashirMeaning: the believers, in their love, mercy and compassion, are like one body; when one part aches, the whole body stays awake with fever. The patient waiting for blood in a hospital far from you is part of that body.
The man who gave water to a dog
فِي كُلِّ كَبِدٍ رَطْبَةٍ أَجْرٌ
Sahih al-Bukhari 2363, from Abu HurayrahA thirsty man went down a well to drink. Coming out, he saw a dog panting with thirst; he went back down, filled his shoe with water and gave it to the dog. God thanked him and forgave him. The Companions asked whether there was a reward even for animals; the Prophet ﷺ said: there is a reward for every living being (meaning).
Wanting for your brother what you want for yourself
لاَ يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى يُحِبَّ لأَخِيهِ مَا يُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ
Sahih al-Bukhari 13, from Anas ibn MalikMeaning: none of you truly believes until they want for their brother what they want for themselves. If someone in your family needs blood tomorrow, you will want them to find it. Today's donation is what keeps blood there for tomorrow.
Faraj gives no fatwa. Verses and hadith are quoted in Arabic, word for word, with their reference; the English gives the meaning. For a religious question, ask the local council of ulema in your city.
- Blood donation in IslamAuthentic verses and hadith on saving lives and helping each other, and what scholars say about giving blood, in Morocco's religious tradition.
- Giving blood in RamadanMany people stop giving in Ramadan, and stocks fall. Here is what Imam Malik said, and when and where to give in the evening.
The doctor at the centre decides whether you can give. This page sums up the press and the law; it is not medical advice.