You may also have wondered what euthanasia is and what its ruling is in Islam. In this article, we aim to introduce you to euthanasia. Stay with Saed News.
What is euthanasia?
The term euthanasia is derived from the Greek words "euthanatos," meaning "good" and "thanatos," meaning "death." In its literal sense, it means a "good death" or "easy death." Euthanasia is a general term that can have various meanings depending on the context. Linguistically, it refers to an act where a patient's death occurs in a manner that causes the least amount of pain and suffering. Therefore, euthanasia has different types. Those who find themselves in such a condition are often terminally ill patients or individuals suffering from severe mental health issues (such as major depressive disorder, etc.) and, with their consent, ask their doctors, nurses, or family members to assist them in dying. In Persian, euthanasia is sometimes referred to as "sweet death," "dignified death," "voluntary death," "graceful death," or "death without dishonor." Euthanasia has recently become popular and legalized in European and American countries.
What are the types of euthanasia?
Mercy killing refers to the act of killing someone suffering from an illness, and euthanasia (or mercy killing) has two types: active and passive. Below is a detailed explanation of both types.
Active Euthanasia: Mercy killing by performing a direct action, such as administering a lethal injection to the patient. Active euthanasia includes two types:
Voluntary Active Euthanasia: In this type, the patient is in a condition where they can consciously decide about their life and chooses to end it.
Involuntary Active Euthanasia: In this case, the patient is unable to make a decision about their life and death, for example, if the patient is unconscious or too young to make a legal decision. In such cases, a doctor, medical ethics committee, or the patient's legal guardians make the decision about the patient's death.
Passive Euthanasia: Mercy killing by omission, which includes stopping medication or treatments that are necessary for the patient’s survival. Passive euthanasia includes two types:
Voluntary Passive Euthanasia: In this case, the patient refuses treatment to hasten their death. This can also be referred to as assisted suicide, where others, such as doctors and family members, assist the patient in carrying out their intention.
Involuntary Passive Euthanasia: This occurs with patients in critical conditions where doctors are sure that their treatment is futile. Without the patient’s consent, doctors may discontinue treatment or choose not to begin treatment as the disease progresses.
Opinions of Religious Authorities on Euthanasia in Islam
In Islam, it is believed that during times of hardship, God calls on us to exercise patience with His mercy. Therefore, any form of euthanasia or suicide is rejected. Several verses and hadiths have emphasized that Islam does not recognize the right to death for humans and considers life a trust from God. Humans are not the owners of their lives to dispose of it as they wish.
Questions and Answers about Euthanasia:
Active euthanasia involves administering a lethal drug by the doctor to end the patient's life.
Passive euthanasia refers to withholding or discontinuing treatment to keep the patient alive.
Indirect euthanasia involves placing lethal doses of drugs within the patient’s reach so they can end their own life.
Religious Opinions on Euthanasia
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: If there is hope for recovery, treatment should continue. If not, the patient can stop treatment once it is certain that recovery is impossible, but discontinuing life-support devices is not permissible.
Ayatollah Sistani: None of these methods are permissible.
Ayatollah Khamenei: It is not obligatory to turn the patient towards the Qibla, and passive euthanasia is not allowed. Any act that causes death, such as the other two methods, is not permissible, and doctors should not follow the patient’s request.
Euthanasia in Iranian Law
According to Article 365 of the Islamic Penal Code, if the victim forgives the killer before death and waives the right to retribution, the retribution (qisas) is annulled. However, the heirs cannot request blood money (diyah) as a substitute for qisas.
