Is it permissible for one to preserve the umbilical cord for later illnesses and treatment one’s child?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

We have studied the attachment – Cord Blood Preservation – Don’t throw it away.

The medical rationale presented in the article is similar to the rationale for blood donation in which contemporary Fuqahaa have permitted blood donation due to the following two juridical maxims:

“Necessity legalizes prohibitions”

“When something is established, it is established with its inherent properties”

The general medical need for the contents of the umbilical cord is understood and hence the general donation of the umbilical cord is permissible.

In the specific case of the grandchild, if presently, there is a medical need to preserve the umbilical cord for the grandchild, then only will it be permissible. If there is no specific need right now, then the reason for its permissibility ضرورت is not established and it will not be permissible. Future sickness is موهوم (presumption) and a leeway cannot be granted for that.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Ismail Desai,
Student Darul Iftaa
Durban, South Africa

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.