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IslamQA: Islam’s ruling on cannibalism for survival

I found out that some pro-Israel spammer is using this article as propaganda against Islam. Therefore I would like to quote the following from Gemini (I’m not really motivated to research Jewish/Christian law). Scroll down for my original answer.

Jewish Opinion

If a person has already died of natural causes or other unavoidable circumstances, and there is absolutely no other way to survive, some authorities would permit consuming their flesh under the principle of Pikuach Nefesh. The rationale is that saving a life is paramount, and the desecration of a dead body, while generally forbidden, is outweighed by the need to preserve life. There are differing opinions on the precise nature of the prohibition against eating human flesh (biblical or rabbinic), but in a life-or-death situation, the halachic consensus leans towards permitting it.

Christian Opinion

Based on this, some Catholic theologians have argued that consuming the flesh of an already deceased person in an absolute, life-or-death situation, when no other option is available, might be permissible. This was notably discussed in the context of the 1972 Andes plane crash survivors (many of whom were Catholic), where the Church indicated that their actions, while tragic, were understandable and not condemned as sinful given the dire circumstances.

Original Answer

What does islam Tell us about cannibalism. considering that one is trapped and can only eat a dead person. such as the crash of the aircraft Fuerza-Aérea-Uruguaya-Flug 571. Thank you for your answer. May Allah bless you

The Quran says in regards to eating prohibited things:

But if one is forced by necessity, without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (From verse 16:115)

Eating prohibited things for survival is therefore allowable when forced by necessity, and this would apply to what you mentioned.

And God knows best.
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