26.2.1 CONCEPTS
Euthanasia is carried out illegally for patients in persistent vegetative states or those in terminal
illness with a lot of pain and suffering. Active euthanasia, an act of commission that causes death, is taking some action
that leads to death like a fatal injection. Passive euthanasia, an act of omission, is letting a person die by taking no action
to maintain life. Terminal sedation has the dual effect of controlling pain and causing respiratory failure. Islamic Law views
all forms of euthanasia, active and passive, as murder. Those who give advice and those who assist in any way with suicide
are guilty of homicide. A physician is legally liable for any euthanasia actions performed even if instructed by the patient.
26.2.2 ANALYSIS USING PURPOSES OF THE LAW, maqasid al shariat
Euthanasia violates the Purpose of the Law to preserve Life by taking life. It violates the purpose
of religion by assuming Allah’s prerogative of causing death. It violates the purpose of preserving progeny by cheapening
human life making genocide more acceptable.
26.2.3 ANALYSIS USING PRINCIPLES OF THE LAW, qawaid al shari’at
According to the principle of intention, there is no distinction between active and passive euthanasia
because the end-result is the same. The principle of injury makes euthanasia illegal because it tries to resolve the pain
and suffering of terminal illness by causing a bigger injury which is killing. Continuation of pain in terminal illness is
a lesser evil than euthanasia. Prohibition of euthanasia closes the door to corrupt relatives and physicians killing patients
for the sake of inheritance by claiming euthanasia. Euthanasia reverses the customary role of the physician as a preserver
into a destroyer of life. A distinction in law exists between withholding life support and withdrawing it. The issue is legally
easier if life support is not started at all according to a pre-set policy and criteria. Once it is started, discontinuation
raises legal or ethical issues. The principle of the law that applies here is that continuation is excused where commencing
is not. Continuation is easier that starting. Euthanasia like other controversial issues in better prevented than waiting
to resolve its attendant problems. The patient cannot legally agree to termination of life because life belongs to Allah and
humans are mere temporary custodians. The determination of ajal is in the hands of Allah. A patient who has legal competence,
ahliyyat, makes final decisions about medical treatment and nutritional support. Patients in terminal illness often lose ahliyyat
and cannot make decisions on their treatment. A living will is a non-binding recommendation and it can be reversed by the
family. They however cannot make the decision for euthanasia.
26.2.4 HISTORICAL PRECEDENTS
The prophet condemned as a hypocrite a man who killed himself because of severely painful battle wounds
26.2.5 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS
Our analysis has shown that there is no legal basis for euthanasia. Physicians have not right to interfere
with ajal that was fixed by Allah. Disease will take its natural course until death. Physicians for each individual patient
do not know this course. It is therefore necessary that they concentrate on the quality of the remaining life and not reversal
of death. Life support measures should be taken with the intention of quality in mind. Instead of discussing euthanasia, we
should undertake research to find out how to make the remaining life of as high a quality as is possible. The most that can
be done is not to undertake any heroic measures for a terminally ill patient. However ordinary medical care and nutrition
cannot be stopped. This can best be achieved by the hospital having a clear and public policy on life support with clear admission
criteria and application to all patients without regard for age, gender, SES, race, or diagnosis.