Assisted suicide “absolutely prohibited” in Islam, posing ethical dilemma for Muslim doctors
from Religion Media Centre:
A Religion Media Centre briefing on the place of religion in the assisted dying debate, heard that in Islam, the response is unequivocal – assisted suicide is absolutely prohibited.
The Assisted Dying Bill will be put before the Commons on 16 October, and voted upon at its Second Reading on Friday 29 November, the first vote by MPs for 9 years. Dr Azim Ahmed agreed it would pose an ethical dilemma for the 10 per cent of medical professionals and 17 per cent of doctors who are Muslim.
The discussion showed that resistance is as entrenched as ever, with CofE bishops, who have voted against the measure repeatedly in the Lords, remaining opposed amid concern that disabled and vulnerable people will feel under pressure and safeguards will slip over time.
The briefing addressed the theological argument that life is sacred, a meaning not limited to the existence of God, but extending to things held sacred in society such as a commitment to one another.
Dr Ahmed said: “Once the red line has been crossed, it’s gone”.
But supporters of assisted dying said there is a divided religious view on the issue, and their key point is that individuals should have a choice.
MP Kit Malthouse told the briefing that the current reality needs to be faced – people are already killing themselves or dying agonising deaths and doctors are already making decisions which end life, such as switching off life support machines.
View the briefing again, listen to the podcast, or read our backgrounder via links on our website here.
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