Answered by SunniPath Answer Service Team
I was informed that euthanasia is strictly prohibited in Islam. What is the reason for this? If an individual is undergoing irremediable and unbearable suffering, why does he not have the right to pain relief? The quality of life will be very painful and unbearable to see by loved ones. I acknowledge that life is a gift from Him and He says “Do not kill (or destroy) yourselves, for verily Allah has been to you most Merciful” (Qur’an 4:29). I do not mean to be rude but can you please tell me where is the mercy in terms of where a person is going through unbearable pain and living in a vegetable state.
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
From a previous answer by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Adam
When a patient is severely ill in a way that further treatment is futile and apparently there is no chance of survival, then in such a case, in order to ease and hasten the death there are normally two procedures taken:
a) Using of certain drugs and other methods that cause death
b) Withdrawing treatment in order to allow the patient to die naturally
As far as the using of certain drugs in order to hasten the death of the patient is concerned, there is no doubt that this is unlawful (haram) in Shariah.
Therefore, in order to save oneself from undue pain and hardship, it will not be permissible to use methods that will cause death. If the medical expert did carry this out, it will be tantamount to murder. If the patient gave his consent for this, then it will be regarded as suicide.
With regards to withdrawing treatment from patients in order for them to die naturally and in a dignified way, it should be remembered that according to the majority of scholars medical treatment is not something that is necessary (wajib) upon the person inflicted with a illness. It is merely something that is permissible. Some scholars went to the extent to say that it is preferable to abstain from treatment and have patience (sabr) rather than treating the illness or disease.
From:
Stopping Medical Treatment When There is No Expected Benefit
Wassalam
SunniPath Fiqh Team