The Test of illness

serious offence unless deemed lawful in an Islamic court of law (e.g.
someone sentenced to capital punishment).
The question arises as to what guidance Isl\m offers regarding passive
euthanasia, where death is brought about not due to active
intervention but rather due to withholding or withdrawing treatment
required to maintain human life. Here, Muslim jurists have ruled that
where an available treatment is seen as certainly curing the ailment
and prolonging life (as proven by thorough medical research),
withholding or withdrawing such treatment would be deemed as
impermissible. On the other hand, where there is no reliable evidence
(reliable in the medical field) and so medical treatment may or may not
be of benefit, then withdrawing, withholding or even the patient
rejecting treatment themselves would be seen as permissible and so
death thereafter would not be seen as euthanasia or suicide.
Brain Stem Death and the Permanent Vegetative State
The brain stem is the area of the brain responsible for controlling vital
functions such as respiration and swallowing. The loss of this area of
the brain, once confirmed by medical professionals, will confirm the
passing away of an individual, although certain processes may
continue due to the support of machines (for example, the heart may
continue to beat if the individual is placed on life support although
tests may confirm brain stem death). In such cases, the individual will
be considered deceased by Muslim jurist and so life support and other
treatment should be stopped.
In contrast, the permanent vegetative state is where an individual is in
a coma, with no hope of recovery due to irreversible damage to the
brain, but is breathing on their own without the aid of a ventilator. An
individual in such a state may live for years providing they are fed and
29