Examine the ethical principles and teaching of one religion, focussing particularly on what is believed about the nature and value of human life, and the relationship between humans and the environment.

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Sanna Ahsan 12SU

Examine the ethical principles and teaching of one religion, focussing particularly on what is believed about the nature and value of human life, and the relationship between humans and the environment.

Most religions have similar ethical principles and beliefs on the value and nature of human life; however this essay will be focusing on one religion in particular, Islam.

Islam’s main principles about the human life are quite similar to the other religions, and the fact that life is sacred. This underpins all issues dealing with medical ethics such as Abortion and Euthanasia.  Muslims believe that all human life is sacred because it is given by Allah, and that Allah chooses how long each person will live. Human beings should not interfere in this, which is why Islam would most definitely favour sanctity of life over quality of life, as the Islamic view is based on the very high priority the faith gives to the sanctity of life. The Qur'an states:

"Whosoever has spared the life of a soul, it is as though he has spared the life of all people. Whosoever has killed a soul, it is as though he has murdered all of mankind." (Qur'an 5:32)

It is a manifestation of the dignity of man that Islam has placed an infinite value on human life. This is expressed in the Qur'an in the following terms:

“We ordained for the children of Israel that if anyone slew a person, unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land, it would be as if he slew the whole of mankind. And if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of a whole people.” (Al-Ma’ida, 5:32)

If Euthanasia is taken as an example, Islam believes human life is a value to be respected unconditionally, irrespective of other circumstances. The concept of a life not worthy of living does not exist in Islam. Justification of taking life to escape suffering is not acceptable in Islam. Prophet Mohammad taught: "There was a man in older times that had an infliction that taxed his patience, so he took a knife, cut his wrist and bled to death.”

Upon this God said:”My subject hastened his end, I deny him paradise.”

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All these teachings are derived from the Holy Book of Islam, The Qu’ran, which is said to be the word of Allah. There are many other quotes from the Qu’ran which support the argument of the sacredness of life.

"If anyone kills a person - unless it be for murder or spreading mischief in the land- it would be as if he killed the whole people." (Qur'an 5.32) 

"When their time comes they cannot delay it for a single hour nor can they bring it forward by a single hour." (Qur'an 16.61)

"And no person can ever die ...

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