Column 21 sion of palliative care when the chances of recovery are negligible , allowing patients to die naturally rather than prolonging life artificially . Scholars agree on the permissibility of adequate pain relief , even if it may indirectly hasten death , as long as the intent is to relieve suffering , not to cause death directly .
November-December . 2024 | The HEALTH
Column 21 sion of palliative care when the chances of recovery are negligible , allowing patients to die naturally rather than prolonging life artificially . Scholars agree on the permissibility of adequate pain relief , even if it may indirectly hasten death , as long as the intent is to relieve suffering , not to cause death directly .
“ There is no disease that Allah has created , except that He also has created its treatment .” ( Sahih al-Bukhari , 582 )
This Hadith encourages seeking medical treatment while acknowledging that ultimate healing comes from Allah the Almighty . In end-of-life situations , if medical experts conclude that treatment is futile , the family may decide to withhold further interventions . “ None of you should wish for death because of a calamity befalling him ; but if he has to wish for death , he should say : ‘ O Allah ! Keep me alive as long as life is better for me and let me die if death is better for me .’” ( Sahih al-Bukhari , 5671 )
This Hadith emphasises patience during suffering and discourages asking for death , while also recognising that death may sometimes be a form of relief in cases of irreversible suffering .
Use of non-halal medication : When critically ill patients need non-halal medications due to the lack of alternatives , the principle of necessity permits their use . Scholars cite the Hadith that allows for necessary exceptions :
“ The Prophet ( peace be upon him ) said : ‘ Allah has sent down the disease and the cure and has made for every disease a cure . So , seek treatment , but do not seek treatment with what is unlawful .’” ( Sunan Abu Dawood , 3874 )
This Hadith suggests that Muslims should seek treatment , but it is generally encouraged to use lawful ( halal ) treatments . However , based on the principle of necessity ( al-dharurah ), if no halal options are available and withholding treatment would harm the patient , using non-halal medicine is allowed .
Caring for the sick and the importance of intention : Islam places great value on caring for the sick , with numerous Hadiths emphasising the reward for visiting and supporting the ill . Intention ( al-niyyah ) plays a crucial role in medical decisions , as actions taken with a sincere intention to seek treatment and preserve life are highly valued . “ He who relieves the hardship of a believer in this world , Allah will relieve his hardship on the Day of Judgment .” ( Sahih Muslim ) This Hadith speaks to the reward for alleviating suffering , which can be extended to the context of providing care and treatment for critically ill patients .
Pain management and palliative care : Islam encourages the relief of suffering , and the use of medication to manage pain , even if it may lead to sedation or reduced consciousness , is generally permitted when the intention is to ease suffering rather than hasten death . “ There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying colours wherein is healing for men . Verily , in this is a sign for people who reflect .” ( Quran , An-Nahl , 16:69 ) This verse is often interpreted to encourage seeking treatment and healing , whether through natural means or medicine .
FAMILY AND RELIGIOUS COUNSEL
Family members play a significant role in decision-making processes for Muslim patients , especially in critical conditions where patients may be hindered . The concept of al-Shura ( consultation ) is vital in Islam , where family members , religious leaders , and healthcare providers collaborate to make decisions that respect and benefit ( al-maslahah ) the patient ’ s values and beliefs .
For Muslims , having access to religious counsel during critical illness can bring comfort and reassurance , providing moral guidance in making difficult choices . Religious figures familiar with Islamic ethics can be instrumental in bridging the gap between medical realities and religious teachings , especially for families struggling to understand complex medical options .
AWARENESS AND CULTURAL SENSITIVITY
Healthcare providers need to understand the significance of halalness in critical illness to ensure culturally sensitive and religiously compliant care . Misunderstandings can lead to mistrust , potentially affecting treatment adherence or family cooperation . Providers should aim to understand the basic principles of Islamic bioethics and the current fatwa , especially when working in diverse settings .
Integrating halal practices into healthcare may include efforts like offering halal-certified pharmaceuticals , accommodating religious practices , and consulting with Islamic scholars on complex bioethical questions . Many hospitals now employ cultural competence training for healthcare providers , which often includes education on Islamic practices , to ensure a holistic approach to Muslim patients ’ care .
CONCLUSION
In conclusion , Islam provides a framework for dealing with critical illness through a balance of preserving life , seeking permissible treatments , and using exceptions in cases of necessity . Quranic verses and Hadith support the idea of compassion , intention , and the ultimate sovereignty of Allah the Almighty in matters of life and death .
Halalness in critical illness is a multifaceted concept shaped by religious teachings , ethical considerations , and medical needs . It emphasises preserving life and dignity while respecting religious boundaries and personal beliefs . Understanding halalness in critical care
contexts requires a balance between the principles of Islamic bioethics and current fatwa , medical necessity , and compassionate care .
As healthcare becomes increasingly globalised , accommodating the halal needs of patients not only ensures compliance with religious beliefs but also enhances the quality of care by respecting the diverse cultural and religious landscape of modern healthcare . – The HEALTH