Gurch Randhawa, Professor of Diversity in Public Health at the University of Bedfordshire, will host the workshop in conjunction with Al-Mahdi Institute.

The event hopes to facilitate multi-disciplinary scholarship dealing with ‘Islamic Perspectives on Organ Donation after Death’. Professor Randhawa will give the opening address highlighting the University’s extensive research on public engagement and organ donation, and the need to clarify any religious and cultural concerns.

Approximately 6,500 people are currently waiting for an organ transplantation with an average of three people losing their lives on a daily basis. To tackle the chronic shortage of organ donors, England is currently transitioning towards a system of deemed consent, also known as the opt-out system, to be implemented in 2020.

Studies are consistently showing that British Muslims are reluctant to become donors citing religion as an influential factor in the decision-making process. There is an urgency to address the various problems which arise with regards to deceased organ donation.  

Al-Mahdi Institute is pleased to present its upcoming workshop on 'Islamic Perspectives on Organ Donation after Death' in conjunction with the Organ Donation & Transplant Research Centre (University of Bedfordshire on 3rd-4th October 2019@gurchrandhawa https://t.co/muyzi6kHcT

— Al-Mahdi Institute (@AMIOutreach) September 5, 2019

Professor Randhawa is one of the Nation’s Lifesavers – the top 100 individuals or groups based in universities whose work is saving lives and making a life-changing difference to our health and wellbeing. His work is recognised as part of Universities UK’s MadeAtUni campaign, which brings to life the impact of universities on everyday lives.

He has been championing organ donation among ethnic minority groups in an effort to increase the number of organ donors. He found that faith played a key role in people’s attitudes towards organ donation. For some, faith was the very reason they chose to be on the organ donor register; for others, faith was one of the reasons they chose not to be.

Professor Randhawa commented: “By bringing together experts in traditional Islamic sciences of various dispositions, academics, and individual’s working with the grass-roots, the workshop will enable a dialogue between theoreticians dealing with ethical frameworks and those who understand the day to day problems at a practical level. This will help us to better engage with Muslim communities regarding organ donation.”

The Al-Madhi Institute said: “With studies consistently showing that British Muslims are reluctant to become donors citing religion as an influential factor in the decision-making process, it is vital to provide a forum for multi-disciplinary scholarship addressing issues relating to organ donation in Islam.”

To view the full workshop programme, click here.

To book a place to attend the workshop, click here.