Ethical Perspective of Euthanasia and Islamic Teachings

Abstract

The question of euthanasia carries ethical, theological, and legal implications. When making decisions on euthanasia for Muslim patients, medical professionals should take spiritual considerations into account. This essay aims to investigate Muslim opinions on euthanasia as well as the Islamic interpretation of the practice. In Islamic law, active euthanasia is forbidden. Islamic societies' laws and moral precepts firmly support this viewpoint. While debating several ethical and legal elements that may affect the acceptable, Islam permits the use of analgesic medicines that may shorten the patient's life in order to relieve physical pain, as long as the treatment is not intended to be lethal. Conversely, negative euthanasia is never permitted. For those who have already passed away, it is permissible to stop a pointless treatment and let death have its course. Since the patient in this case has already passed away, it makes little sense to retain life-supporting equipment. It is strongly advised that all medical personnel who treat Muslim patients give considerable thought to the Islamic view of euthanasia.