The Quran teaches the sanctity of human life, the dignity of every individual, and the duty to protect life. Life is a trust from the Almighty, who has endowed it with immense value. Therefore, Islam urges us to care for the vulnerable and regard them as honourable. This is time for action see my three asks below.
What is the Assisted Dying Bill all about?
In 2015, a bill for euthanasia was proposed and rejected in the United Kingdom. Ten years on we have another bill, the ‘Assisted Dying Bill’. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater will present her bill on November 29, 2024. The bill raises serious questions about how we care for our elderly, the vulnerable, and especially those with terminal illnesses. While I recognise the compassionate arguments and cautionary concerns behind this bill, I respectfully disagree with its premise. Leadbeater’s proposal claims that it will:
- Prevent suffering for terminally ill patients: The bill suggests that enabling assisted dying will prevent the ‘harrowing’ deaths of terminally ill individuals, thus respecting their autonomy. Yet, in practice, this approach may inadvertently pressure people to choose death, particularly if they feel ambivalent. Rather than liberating individuals, it risks making them ‘less free’.
- Establish strong safeguards: The bill proposes robust checks, requiring approval from two doctors and a High Court judge to ensure that patients are mentally capable, free from coercion and genuinely wish to end their lives. However, critics, like Conservative MP Danny Kruger, argue that these checks may become routine over time, leading to cases being approved with insufficient scrutiny.
- Offer a dignified choice: Proponents argue that assisted dying provides control to terminally ill individuals, allowing them to avoid prolonged suffering. But how does this truly dignify life? A dignified choice lies in investing in improved end-of-life care and pain management, focusing on compassion rather than ending life.
Organisations like Care Not Killing caution that legalising assisted dying could shift societal norms, creating ethical dilemmas and potentially making life seem less sacred. There is concern that legalising assisted dying could lead to an expansion of euthanasia criteria beyond terminal illnesses, eroding the perceived value of vulnerable lives, including those with disabilities or mental health challenges. This bill may unintentionally lead elderly or disabled individuals to feel pressured to end their lives to avoid burdening others.
What is wrong with the Assisted Dying Bill?
Our Islamic teachings emphasise the sanctity of life, the responsibility to care for the vulnerable and the spiritual value of enduring suffering. Here are some key points from the Islamic perspective:
- Human life as a Divine trust: Life is regarded as a sacred gift from Allah. In Islam, life is entrusted to us by Allah Almighty, and only He determines its beginning and end. Ending life prematurely is forbidden; it is seen as violating a divine trust. Islam teaches that life should be lived fully following God’s plan, with every moment holding purpose and sanctity. Assisted dying, therefore, is viewed as akin to suicide, which is forbidden in Islam.
- Suffering as a test and submission to Divine Will: Suffering in Islam has spiritual significance, serving as a test of faith and character. Allah says “No misfortune befalls anyone except by the will of Allah… so let the believers put trust in Allah alone” (Al-Taghabun:11). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further explained, “The believer’s situation is hopeful, in hardship, he is patient, and in ease, he is thankful” (Muslim). Enduring trials strengthen one’s spiritual connection to Allah, with the promise of divine reward in the Hereafter.
- The risk of normalising suicide and eroding compassion: Allowing assisted dying introduces a slippery slope. Legalising it may lead to a societal shift, where life appears less valued or protected, and suicide becomes culturally acceptable. Granting individuals the option to end their lives presents a tough decision for the person, their family and society. When assisted dying becomes acceptable then what can stop someone from ending life under non-terminal conditions? This will weaken society’s compassion and commitment to life.
- Prioritising palliative care: Islam teaches a moral duty to care for the terminally ill through effective palliative care. This care relieves suffering and enables individuals and society to nurture compassion and responsibility. Palliative care is specialised medical support that improves the quality of life for those with serious illnesses by alleviating symptoms and reducing the stress for patients and their families.
- Post-death problems for the family: The bill raises scary questions for the family concerned and could create conflict e.g. who initiated the idea of assisted dying to our beloved? Why? Who is responsible for it? Who will gain the inheritance? The assisted dying may bring pain relief to the terminally ill but in its wake leave a trail of family rumours, suspicions and scandals. That could potentially destabilise an already fragile family dynamic.
Honouring life and caring for the vulnerable
The Majestic Quran reminds us, “Your Lord has commanded that you should not worship anyone except Him and care for your parents… speak to them with respect, and pray, ‘My Lord, be kind to them as they cared for me in childhood’” (Al-Isra:23-24). This verse urges us to respond to the elderly with tenderness, reflecting on how they nurtured us in our vulnerable years.
In Islam, as well as in other religious traditions, there is strong advocacy for enhancing palliative care to provide compassionate end-of-life support. The shared belief is that dignity is best preserved by reducing suffering through adequate care rather than by hastening death. The assisted dying bill appears to echo a secular, materialistic philosophy that values individual autonomy above the sanctity of life. It’s based on godless philosophy. In contrast, Islam, along with many other faiths, encourages a life of mutual support, reverence for the divine order and care for the vulnerable as a means of honouring the Creator’s gift of life.
What can you do to stop this bill from becoming law?
Here are three simple actions you can take to make a meaningful contribution.
- Contact your MP: Reach out to your Member of Parliament, urging them to vote against the proposed legislation and leverage their influence within their party to prevent it from becoming law. Click HERE to find your MP.
- Engage your local Imam and Masjid committee: Request your local Imam and Masjid committee to address this issue during the Friday congregation, raising awareness within the community.
- Mobilise your local Masjid council: Encourage your local Masjid council to disseminate this information to its members, fostering community-wide support and action.
