Mercy killing in light of Islamic legal objectives

Abstract

This research deals with an original, purpose-based study of a contemporary medical issue known as "mercy killing." It aims to clarify the jurisprudential classification of its various forms and the extent to which the motive of "compassion" is considered a justification for ending the life of a terminally ill patient. The research relied on the inductive and analytical methods to examine the opinions of jurists and jurisprudential councils and apply them to the objectives of Sharia, especially the objective of "preserving life." The study concluded with the absolute prohibition of direct positive killing and its consideration as a crime that warrants retribution. In the case of negative killing, it differentiated between removing life support devices from a brain-dead person, which was permitted by jurisprudential councils due to the absence of stable life and to preserve money from waste, and the doctor's deliberate refusal to provide possible treatment, which is considered a cause leading to death.