The Alevi Faith and Organ Donation: A Unique Perspective

The Alevi-Bektashi community, spread across Türkiye and beyond, holds a distinctive view on organ donation. For them, donating organs after death is seen as a way to achieve eternal salvation. This belief is deeply rooted in their social norms, known as erkân. A recent study explored this topic by talking to 21 religious leaders, called dedes. These leaders are respected figures within the Alevi community. The study found that the Alevi faith is one of the few that strongly supports organ donation after death. This is a significant finding, as it could greatly impact the field of organ donation. The study also revealed some key cultural and religious themes. For instance, the Alevi community trusts science and values ritual brotherhood, known as musahiplik. However, they also believe that certain individuals, like those who have been banished or acted unjustly, should not benefit from organ donation. One of the most profound beliefs is that while the physical body may perish, the soul, or can, remains eternal. This belief likely contributes to their positive stance on organ donation. The study highlights the importance of understanding these cultural and religious nuances when discussing organ donation within the Alevi community.