Comparing Islam and Judaism's Views on Euthanasia

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Comparing Islam and Judaism's Views on Euthanasia

Euthanasia gained a legal foothold in Holland. It went to the ballot

box in two states in America but was defeated. Its lobby is getting

more active. Islam and Judaism have definite views on euthanasia.

The principle regarding the sanctity of human life implies that human

life is immeasurable, that there is no difference between a healthy

person and a physically or mentally impaired person. Likewise, the

life expectancy of a patient is immaterial. The life of a human being,

whether long or short, is treated equally. Consequently, active

euthanasia is absolutely prohibited even if requested by the patient.

Islam and Judaism have both stemmed out from the father of all

religions, Abraham;

Therefore both more or less share the same beliefs.

Euthanasia comes in four forms:

Active: the result of positive action (e.g. lethal injection) on the

part of a carer

Passive: the omission or termination of treatment which is prolonging

the patient’s life

Voluntary: carried out at the express wish of the patient

Non-voluntary: carried out without the permission of the patient which

may or may not be because they are not capable of expressing a view.

All religions teach us that life is sacred, it is a gift from God

therefore we should protect it. Euthanasia involves the taking of life

so it goes against the teachings of religions. Even if one is about to

die and are in a lot of pain, all religions teach us that they should

be looked after in the best possible manner. Euthanasia should not be

an option.

“Do not kill (or destroy) yourselves, for verily Allah has been to yo...

... middle of paper ...

...s it is. So why do we want to take

our life early. Even if we cant talk, walk or even move, that should

not mean that we still cant pray and ask god for forgiveness. After

all God knows our inner most secrets. Islam teaches us that when

someone falls ill, it is a sign of death, therefore we should ask god

for forgiveness and it is when someone falls ill that God forgives

most of their sins. As Prophet Mohammad said,

“When the believer is afflicted with pain, even that of a prick of a

thorn or more, God forgives his sins, and his wrongdoings are

discarded as a tree sheds off its leaves.”

Euthanasia is certainly not an option for a theist, but for an atheist

it may well be an option!

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born

I consecrated you.”

(Jeremiah 1:5)

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