Explain how Islamic teachings about the sanctity of life affects a Muslim's attitude towards Euthanasia and Suicide

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Explain how Islamic teachings about the sanctity of life affects a Muslim's attitude towards Euthanasia and Suicide

"Do not take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for a just cause."

(Surah 17:33)

Muslims believe in the Sanctity of Life. This means that all life is a gift from Allah and therefore should be cherished and looked after. No human has the right to take away a life that has been given by Allah. As with all medical ethics issues, euthanasia and suicide are not referred to in the Quran but Muslims have developed rules about them by focusing on the Sanctity of Life. In guidance about these issues, Muslims also look towards the Hadith (statements or accounts attributed to Muhammad's life) and the Sunnah (example of Muhammad). Therefore euthanasia and suicide is considered haram in Islam. Muslims also believe that euthanasia and suicide involve committing the ultimate sin, Zulm.

"...be firm and patient in pain (or suffering) and adversity... Such are the people of truth, the Allah- fearing."

(The Quran)

Muslims believe that Allah is omnipresent (everywhere), omnibenevolent (all loving) and omnipotent (all powerful). Therefore they believe in Al-Qad'r (predestination) -