In the Name of Allah---the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

Is Mercy-Killing Allowed in Islam?

Euthanasia is the act of intentionally ending the life of a person who is suffering from a terminal illness or unbearable pain, often through the administration of lethal drugs. It is also referred to as assisted dying or mercy killing. Euthanasia can be voluntary, where the person who wishes to die makes a conscious decision to end their life, or non-voluntary, where a decision is made on behalf of a person who is unable to express their wishes, such as a person in a coma or with severe dementia. Euthanasia is a controversial and heavily debated issue, with arguments for and against its legalization and use. Let me explain: Is Mercy-Killing Allowed in Islam?

Euthanasia, or intentionally ending the life of a person who is suffering from a terminal illness or unbearable pain, is not allowed in Islam. Islamic teachings consider human life to be sacred, and the taking of a life, whether one's own or another's, is generally prohibited. Islam teaches that life is a trust from God and that every person has a duty to preserve and protect their own life as well as the lives of others.

Furthermore, Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of providing comfort and care for the sick and those in pain and encourage the use of palliative care and pain relief to alleviate suffering.

The Quran places an immense emphasis on the sanctity and preservation of human life and repeatedly emphasizes the value and importance of human life in Islam. In addition to the verse mentioned earlier, the Quran provides further guidance on the importance of preserving life and avoiding harm to others.

Allah Almighty says, in Surah Al-Mayedah (5:32):

"Whoever kills a person, it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved all mankind."

Allah Almighty says, in Surah Al-An'am (6:151):

"And do not take the life which Allah has forbidden, except in the course of justice."

This verse emphasizes the importance of preserving life and prohibits the taking of life except in cases of legitimate self-defense or as part of the legal system of justice. Islam recognizes the inherent value of every human life and promotes the principle of justice as a means of protecting and preserving human life.

The Quran also prohibits suicide and self-harm, stating in Surah An-Nisa (4:29):

"And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is merciful to you."

This verse emphasizes the importance of valuing and preserving one's own life, as well as the lives of others. Suicide and self-harm are considered major sins in Islam, as they go against the fundamental principle of valuing and preserving human life.

there are several Hadiths that speak about the prohibition of suicide in Islam. Here are a few examples:

Imam Bukhari brings this Hadith in the Book of Medicine:

Narrated Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever purposely throws himself from a mountain and kills himself, will be in the (Hell) Fire falling down into it and abiding therein perpetually forever; and whoever drinks poison and kills himself with it, he will be carrying his poison in his hand and drinking it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever; and whoever kills himself with an iron weapon, will be carrying that weapon in his hand and stabbing his `Abdomen with it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever." [Sahih al-Bukhari 5778]

This Hadith clearly prohibits suicide and describes the severe punishment that awaits those who take their own lives. It emphasizes the gravity of the act of suicide and the eternal consequences that result from it.

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed: “He who killed himself with steel (weapon) would be the eternal denizen of the Fire of Hell and he would have that weapon in his hand and would be thrusting that in his stomach forever and ever, he who drank poison and killed himself would sip that in the Fire of Hell where he is doomed forever and ever; and he who killed himself by falling from (the top of) a mountain would constantly fall in the Fire of Hell and would live there forever and ever.” [Sahih Muslim: H#109a]

This Hadith is a direct prohibition of suicide and emphasizes the mercy and compassion of Allah towards his followers. It encourages Muslims to value and preserve their own lives and to avoid taking their own lives.

Overall, these Hadiths demonstrate the gravity and severity of suicide in Islam and emphasize the importance of valuing and preserving human life. Suicide is considered a major sin in Islam and is strongly discouraged.

Islamic teachings also promote the concept of patience and enduring hardship as a means of gaining reward and spiritual growth. Therefore, while Islam prohibits euthanasia, it encourages care and comfort for the sick and those in pain and emphasizes the importance of accepting God's will and finding spiritual strength in times of difficulty.

There are several Hadiths that speak about the importance of patience during times of illness and suffering, and the rewards that come with it. Here are a few examples:

Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with them):

"No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that." [Sahih al-Bukhari: H# 5641]

This Hadith emphasizes that even minor hardships and afflictions can be a means of expiating sins, and encourages Muslims to be patient during times of suffering.

Ayesha (May Allah be pleased with her) reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: “A believer does not receive (the trouble) of running a thorn or more than that but Allah elevates him in rank or effaces his sins because of that.”

[Sahih Muslim: H#2572b, Sahih al-Bukhari:H#5640]

This Hadith emphasizes the rewards that come with enduring hardship with patience and faith. Muslims are encouraged to view suffering as a means of spiritual growth and an opportunity to gain reward from Allah.

In conclusion, the Quran places a great emphasis on the sanctity and preservation of human life. Saving a life is considered one of the most important deeds in Islam while taking a life without just cause is strictly prohibited. The importance of seeking medical treatment and caring for the sick is also emphasized in Islamic teachings. When it comes to suffering and illness, Muslims are encouraged to be patient and seek Allah's help and acceptance. Hardships and afflictions can be seen as opportunities for spiritual growth and a means of expiating sins.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) on mercy killing or euthanasia:

What is mercy killing or euthanasia?

Mercy killing or euthanasia refers to intentionally ending the life of a person who is suffering from a terminal illness or severe disability, in order to relieve their pain and suffering.