What is the Islamic view on euthanasia?

Euthanasia, the act of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering, is a controversial topic in many cultures and religions, including Islam. Islamic law considers human life to be sacred, and therefore, the general view on euthanasia is that it is not permissible.

In Islam, every human being has a right to life, and taking one's own life or the life of another is strictly forbidden. According to Islamic law, only Allah has the right to give life and take it away. Therefore, any act that hastens death or brings it about sooner is considered impermissible.

However, there are certain situations where the terminally ill patient is suffering and the treatment can only prolong the life in pain. In such cases, palliative care is allowed, which is the provision of comfort measures to relieve pain and suffering. The focus is on alleviating pain rather than hastening death.

It is important to note that the decision to withhold or withdraw treatment should be made by a competent doctor, and it should be done with the intention of alleviating the patient's suffering and not causing their death. It is also essential to involve the family members in the decision-making process and to ensure that the patient's dignity is maintained until the end.

It is noteworthy that there are different interpretations of Islamic law on the issue of euthanasia, and the Islamic scholars have varying opinions. However, the general consensus is that euthanasia is not permissible.