Death and Dying a Muslims Perspective
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF MEDICINE Volume 91 March 1 998
Death and dying-a Muslim perspective
Aziz Sheikh MRCP MRCGP
J R Soc Med 1998;91:138-140
The care of dying patients and their relatives is one of the most difficult aspects of a doctor 's job. Enabling an individual to die with dignity can also be deeply rewarding.
Britain today is a cosmopolitan society made up of people from numerous religious and cultural traditions. The care of patients with backgrounds different from one 's own requires knowledge and skills. There are approximately 2 million Muslims in the UK1. Although most originate from the Indian subcontinent2 substantial numbers have arrived recently from Africa and to a lesser extent Central Europe.
Islamic Law (Shariah) is based on the Qur 'an and Hadith
(the practices and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad)3. The
Shariah defines certain expected behaviours at the time of death and these are generally adhered to by Muslims in
Britain. In this paper I offer some guidance on caring for
Muslim patients in their final illness.
MUSLIM BELIEF REGARDING DEATH, ABORTION
AND EUTHANASIA
For a Muslim, death marks the transition from one state of existence to the next. Islam teaches that life on earth is an examination-the life to come is the eternal abode where one will reap the fruit of one 's endeavours on earth. Death is therefore not to be resisted or fought against, but rather something to be accepted as part of the overall divine plan4.
Further, death is not a taboo subject in Muslim society and is a matter upon which one is encouraged to reflect frequently. In counselling of Muslims regarding a terminal illness, or relatives after a bereavement, these points should be borne in mind.
Islam views life as sacred and a trust from God (Allah).
Termination of pregnancy is therefore generally not permissible within the Islamic frameworks. If the subject needs to be broached this should be done with extreme
sensitivity.
Death and dying-a Muslim perspective
Aziz Sheikh MRCP MRCGP
J R Soc Med 1998;91:138-140
The care of dying patients and their relatives is one of the most difficult aspects of a doctor 's job. Enabling an individual to die with dignity can also be deeply rewarding.
Britain today is a cosmopolitan society made up of people from numerous religious and cultural traditions. The care of patients with backgrounds different from one 's own requires knowledge and skills. There are approximately 2 million Muslims in the UK1. Although most originate from the Indian subcontinent2 substantial numbers have arrived recently from Africa and to a lesser extent Central Europe.
Islamic Law (Shariah) is based on the Qur 'an and Hadith
(the practices and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad)3. The
Shariah defines certain expected behaviours at the time of death and these are generally adhered to by Muslims in
Britain. In this paper I offer some guidance on caring for
Muslim patients in their final illness.
MUSLIM BELIEF REGARDING DEATH, ABORTION
AND EUTHANASIA
For a Muslim, death marks the transition from one state of existence to the next. Islam teaches that life on earth is an examination-the life to come is the eternal abode where one will reap the fruit of one 's endeavours on earth. Death is therefore not to be resisted or fought against, but rather something to be accepted as part of the overall divine plan4.
Further, death is not a taboo subject in Muslim society and is a matter upon which one is encouraged to reflect frequently. In counselling of Muslims regarding a terminal illness, or relatives after a bereavement, these points should be borne in mind.
Islam views life as sacred and a trust from God (Allah).
Termination of pregnancy is therefore generally not permissible within the Islamic frameworks. If the subject needs to be broached this should be done with extreme
sensitivity.
References: 2 Badawi Z. Islam in Britain. London: Ta Ha Publishers, 1981:10 3 Doi AR London: Mosby, 1994:36 5 Ebrahim AF Perspective. Indianapolis: American Trust Publication, 1989:67-77 6 Darsh SM