IMANA: Understanding Islamic Bioethics

Bioethics is defined as the study of ethical, social, and legal issues that arise in biomedicine and biomedical research. This encompasses healthcare and research, the environment, and public health. 

The Islamic approach to bioethics is derived from revelation and tradition which can sometimes be subject to discussions and debates. However, Islamic bioethics upholds the sanctity of human life, including the belief that healthcare is a basic human right and seeking cure is a moral obligation. 

Islamic bioethics is defined as a set of principles, responsibilities, rights, and virtue within the framework of the Qur’an, the tradition and teachings of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 

Gain a deeper understanding of how to treat patients according to Islamic medical ethics with this article by IMANA.

What Is Islamic Ethical Concept?

The Islamic ethical concept is rooted in the Qur’an and the Hadith or the teachings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They are based on the following principles and fundamental rules of Islamic Medical Ethics:

• Necessity overrides prohibition
• Harm has to be removed at all costs
• Accept the lesser of the two harms if both cannot be avoided
• Public interest comes before individual interest

Islamic medical ethics is also founded on the 4 basic principle of biomedical ethics: 

1. Respect for the autonomy of the patient
2. Beneficence
3. Non-maleficence
4. Distributive Justice

Islamic Medical Ethics Principles

All patients, whether Muslims or non-Muslims, should be treated with human dignity and respect. Here are some basic guidelines for Muslim healthcare professionals when caring for Muslim and non-Muslim patients:

1. If possible, a patient’s faith practices should be identified upon patient registration to avoid unintentional mistakes like violating dietary rules and privacy.
2. Care providers must respect patients’ privacy and modesty by providing special gowns to avoid unnecessary body exposure during physical examination and other measures. 
3. Patients must be allowed to pray based on their religious practices whenever possible. 
4. They should be Informed of their rights as patients and be encouraged to have a living will that outlines their wishes.  
5. Care providers must explain the tests and procedures that patients will undergo.  
6. The patient’s imam or other religious clerics must be allowed visitation so they can pray for the patient. With the patient’s permission, clerics from other faiths can also visit. Nondenominational terms like god should be used.
7. Organ donations should be performed according to stipulated guidelines. 
8. Identify if females undergoing examinations wish to have a female representative, husband, or other person present. If the female patient requests a female healthcare provider, one should be provided.
9. In case of death, allow the patient’s family, imam, and other religious clerics to prepare the body for burial under their religion’s guidelines. The corpse should be treated with the same respect and privacy as when they were still alive.  

Definition of Life and Death According to Islamic Belief

Islamic beliefs about life and death are guideposts in the ethical treatment of patients.

When Does Life Begin?

In Islam, biological life begins at conception while human life begins at ensoulment which, according to some scholars, is 120 days after conception. Other scholars believe it begins 40 days after conception. 

The right of a human fetus to life is the same as the right of a mature human being. 

A person in a vegetative state is  considered a living person and is afforded all the rights of a living human being. 

When Does Life End?

A person is considered dead when the patient’s cardiopulmonary function and brain function have stopped based on a physician’s investigation and declaration. 

Islam believes that if death is inevitable, the patient should be allowed to die without unnecessary procedures. Islamic bioethics is opposed to euthanasia and assisted suicide. 

Living Will

All  patients regardless of their religion should be encouraged to have a living will or a case manager so physicians can honor the patient’s wishes. 

Organ Donation and Transplantation

If transplantation can save the lives of the donor and receiver, it is allowed as long as the following guidelines are followed: 

• The need and benefit of the procedure should be defined
• Consent from the donor and recipient must be obtained
• Organs must not be sold or exchanged for incentives. However, voluntary gifts may be permitted.
• Any permanent harm to the donor must be avoided. 
• Cadaver use is prohibited except in cases of a living will 
• Blood transfusion is permitted among Muslims and other religions that allow it. 

IMANA Upholds and Teaches Islamic Bioethics

Healthcare professionals who would like to have a more in-depth understanding can register for An Introduction to the Field of Islamic Bioethics offered in partnership with the Initiative on Medicine and Islam. 

The class consists of high-quality, self-paced courses with online materials. The Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) as a continuing medical education provider. 

By joining our Islamic bioethics course, you’ll be able to handle Muslim and non-Muslim patients with greater confidence and respect.