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Organization for Islamic Learning |
"Issues In Islamic Medical Ethics"
International Association of Bioethics
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The purpose of this webpage is to provide authentic
and generally agreed upon guidelines in matters of medical practice in
accord with the five schools of Islamic Religious Law: the Maliki,
Hanafi, Shafi'i, Hanbali and Ja'fari (Imami Shi'i). The divergence in
religious rulings between legal schools are stated only where necessary.
Guidelines: 1) Health Care -Necessary to Life Interventions
Health Care
A baby is bathed immediately after birth, before giving it to the mother. The father (or mother or the imam) then whispers the call to prayer in child's ears so that the first sounds it hears are about Muslim faith. Circumcision of the male child is recommended within the first seven days. If for some medical reason this is not possible it can be performed before puberty. A baby born prematurely but at least 130 days gestation is given the same treatment as any other infant.
No pork or pork products, such as lard, is allowed, nor alcoholic beverages or any food prepared with alcohol, such as some kinds of cakes or desserts. All permissible meat slaughtered in a special way by a Muslim is known as halal or zabiha. Also in seafood only fish with scales is permissible for food. There is no prohibition against shell fish like shrimp, lobster, and so on.
Since the introduction of advanced medical technology, besides the traditional definition of death which occurred when the heart and lungs stopped functioning, some Muslim schools of thought (mainly Sunni* and some Shia* Muslims) have accepted brain death as a valid definition when the brain ceases to function and brain cells begin to die. As such, artificial means may be used to preserve the body long enough to remove viable organs that are to be donated according to the conditions stated below.
*Sunni Muslims form the majority and differ with the Shia Muslims, a minority, in some matters of practice. They share the basic beliefs in God, the Prophet, the Koran, and the Final Day of Resurrection.
Necessary to Life Interventions
It is permissible to use life support to save and lengthen life. Such equipment may not be disconnected for that will be construed as causing death. On the other hand, there is no obligation to continue these interventions just to prolong the imminent death. The purpose of extraordinary medical intervention is to maintain the process of life, not to avoid or postpone death. It is forbidden to cause harm to the patient with equipment and drugs when the futility of such procedures is established by medical team. Under those circumstances it is permissible to unplug life-support systems. `Mercy killing' or `Physician Assisted Aid in Dying' of terminally ill patients is prohibited.
Autopsies performed for medical research and training is permissible. It is also permissible for determining the cause of death and for the discovery of new remedies. It is necessary to clearly explain the reasons for postmortem to the family. Donation of body parts or organs are allowed if there is a will to that effect or if the family permits. Blood transfusions are also permitted, including those from non-Muslims. Ritual preparation of the body is commenced after completion of the autopsy. Some families will wish to take their dead back to their country of origin for burial.
The dying Muslim patient may wish to sit or lie with his\her face towards Mecca (north-east from Charlottesville), and moving the bed if necessary to make this possible is appreciated. Family members and elders in the community, including the Imam, may ask to be present so that they can provide moral support, religious guidance in matters of living will and recite Muslim scripture, the Koran round the bed. A relative or another Muslim may whisper call to prayer into the dying person's ear. In the case of female client the Imam and other male members of the community may come only if requested. As soon as death occurs the body should be covered completely and placed, if possible, with feet towards Mecca. There are special procedures for washing and shrouding the body. Muslims are required by their religious law to prepare the body for burial. Only when no community member can be contacted, the health care providers may perform these procedures. It is recommended that burial be performed as soon as possible, especially in summer months. Cremation is forbidden even if there is a will to that effect.
Abortion is permitted where the mother's health is in imminent danger. In addition, before the fetus attains personhood, that is during the first 120 days, abortion is permissible if the woman would stop lactating for another child. Rape is also a valid reason for abortion if there is a fear of psychological damage and problems that could lead to physical symptoms. Birth control is also permissible if the prescribed method does not have any adverse impact on the health of either spouse and if it does not lead to permanent sterilization.
Muslims perform prayers five times a day: before sunrise, noon, afternoon, sunset and evening. A sick person is allowed to combine noon and afternoon, and sunset and evening prayer. If conditions permit washing is required. For clients on bed rest only symbolic ablution (known as tayammum) is sufficient. Provision of privacy is important especially for female patient during prayer.
Prayer rug and the Koran must not be touched by anyone ritually unclean (e.g., with blood or urine on hand), and it is preferable that nothing should be placed on top of it. Some Muslims wear amulet, a black string or silver or gold chain on which sections of the Koran are attached. These, if requested by the client, should not be removed and must remain dry.
Matters concerning family (abortion, birth control) require both spouses to agree and consent forms are to be signed jointly. Women are very modest and frequently wear clothes that cover all of their body. During a medical examination, the women's modesty should be respected as much as possible. Whenever possible Muslim women prefer female doctors. For 10 days after giving birth and 5 to 6 days after menstruation, a woman is exempt from ritually prescribed prayer since this is a time of cleansing for her, although she may request privacy for personal devotions.
© Organization for Islamic Learning
October 2007 | |
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