- The case of David Hunter prompts discussions on end-of-life decisions and the perspective of secularists is being amplified.
- Muslims on the other hand, unwaveringly oppose assisted deaths, considering their profound belief in an afterlife and submission to Allah’s divine will.
In the wake of the significant David Hunter case, the topic of assisted deaths has ignited passionate debates among liberal factions, who seek avenues for potential legislative reform. Yet, amidst this discourse, one discerns a conspicuous absence of the well-founded and time-honoured perspectives held by adherents of Islam, and orthodox Christianity, and Judaism. Therefore, amidst this ongoing deliberation, it is paramount to recognise the resounding significance of divine commandments, which resolutely advocate against the termination of life.
The case
A retired British miner, Mr. David Hunter, faced trial after his actions resulted in the death of his terminally ill wife, Janice, who had been battling blood cancer. In December 2021, Mr. Hunter was found guilty of manslaughter for asphyxiating his wife at their home near the coastal resort town of Paphos, where they had shared a life together for 52 years.
During the trial, Mr. Hunter adamantly denied any premeditated murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence. Instead, he expressed that he would have never taken his beloved wife’s life unless she had explicitly requested him to do so. Emotionally breaking down, he described her as not just his spouse but his closest confidant and friend.
Pictured: David Hunter
Mr. Hunter revealed that in the weeks leading up to her passing, Janice repeatedly implored him to assist her in ending her suffering. As her condition worsened, her pleas became increasingly desperate, leaving Mr. Hunter deeply conflicted. He recalled how he held his hands over her mouth and nose, and ultimately, he decided to grant her wish, motivated by “his love for her and her profound pain”, he said.
His legal defence argued that this was not a case of premeditated murder, as he acted spontaneously in response to his wife’s ardent appeals to be relieved from her suffering. They also contended that a confession made during his arrest should not be admissible, asserting that he was suffering from dissociation at the time. However, the court ruled that Mr. Hunter was lucid, thus dismissing this application.
Following the trial, the judges, after careful deliberation, cleared him of murder charges, leading to a conviction for manslaughter. Mr. Hunter’s sentencing is scheduled for July 27. His legal representatives have expressed the possibility of a suspended sentence, potentially allowing him to leave prison in light of the verdict.
He stated to reporters that his time in a Cypriot prison paled in comparison to witnessing his wife’s suffering in her last six months.
The judgment, delivered by a panel of three judges after a lengthy trial, brought a legal resolution to a highly controversial case.
‘Dignity in Dying’
“There is no sanctity in suffering….Time to put compassion above outdated theology”
Rabbi Jonathon Romain
Rabbi Jonathon Romain spearheads the eminent campaign known as ‘Dignity in Dying,’ representing the UK’s foremost advocacy endeavour seeking a transformative shift in the legislation concerning assisted dying.
Pictured: Rabbi Jonathon Romain
“Our country is closer than ever to achieving true choice at the end of life, something the British public, from all walks of life, are crying out for. Like many people of faith, I support law change on assisted dying because of my beliefs, not in spite of them.” Rabbi Jonathon Romain said.
“I am deeply aware of the value of life. But having seen people die in pain from terminal illnesses, often begging doctors or relatives to help them end their life early, I also know that letting go of life can be the right and moral decision. There is no sanctity in suffering, particularly as we die.”, he said.
In marked contrast, orthodox Jews adopt an unwavering stance against medically assisted suicide, considering it “murder” as their default position. Rabbi Avidan Milevsky, who serves as the part-time interim rabbi at a synagogue in Washington’s Georgetown neighbourhood, emphasised this principled position, adding that while there may be exceptional cases that require individual consideration, their overall opposition remains steadfast.
Islam’s Stand on Assisted Death and Euthanasia
In the following verse of the Qur’an, Allah speaks about the sanctity of life and the prohibition of taking a life, including one’s own life:
“And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly – We have given his heir authority, but let him not exceed limits in [the matter of] taking life. Indeed, he has been supported [by the law].”
Surah Al-Isra (Chapter 17), verse 33:
The resolute resistance of Muslims towards assisted deaths finds its roots in the profound veneration they hold for the sacredness of life, an indelible cornerstone of their religious teachings. Evident within the verses of the Quran and the Hadith, Islam instils a deep sense of responsibility to safeguard and preserve the divine gift of life, bestowing it with utmost reverence. The unequivocal prohibition against unjustly taking any life, including one’s own, echoes through Islamic scripture, reinforcing the belief in the natural sanctity of life and the divine authority over its beginning and end. Consequently, the concept of assisted deaths or euthanasia finds itself in direct conflict with this fundamental tenet, as it involves a deliberate hastening of death, challenging the intrinsic worth bestowed upon each soul by Allah. In effect, Muslims believe that they are stewards of their bodies and are responsible for how they use and care for them, recognizing that the ultimate authority over their lives lies with Allah.
Concerning those who endure the challenges of long-term illnesses, within the rich tapestry of Islamic beliefs, Muslims perceive pain as a multifaceted aspect of life, imbued with profound spiritual significance and profound wisdom. Embracing pain as a divine pathway to redemption, Muslims seek strength amidst adversity, knowing that their ultimate reward lies in the mercy and forgiveness of Allah. In this profound understanding, pain becomes a transformative force, intricately woven into the tapestry of life, guiding Muslims towards spiritual enlightenment and the promise of eternal blessings. Drawing inspiration from the Quran and the Hadith, Muslims find solace in the understanding that pain can serve as a test from Allah, a crucible through which their faith is purified and fortified. As stated in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155):
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.”
Demonstrating patience and fortitude in the face of pain is regarded as an opportunity for spiritual growth and a means to attain Allah’s favour. Furthermore, Muslims view pain as a potential expiation for sins, as beautifully conveyed in the Hadith:
“No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that”
Sahih al-Bukhari
As previously posited, within Islamic tenets, assisted death is deemed impermissible. Nevertheless, this prohibition exhibits certain exceptions and intricacies under Islamic jurisprudence. For instance, in circumstances where a patient’s condition renders them in a profoundly vegetative state, solely sustained by life support, certain scholars might allow for the removal of such support. Also if the individual is in the aforementioned state, most scholars agree that passive euthanasia could be permitted. In this case, seeking medical treatment would be recommended but does not become obligatory. Thus, choosing to halt treatment and allowing a natural death is permissible, but intentionally starving a person (or self-starvation) is not permitted.
Muslims adhere to the conviction that life is merely a transient phase, a fleeting journey on earth, with the ultimate destination lying in the eternal sphere of the hereafter. Being cognisant of this, Muslims perceive that the laws of Allah must be dutifully adhered to, for they encompass a grand purpose. By embracing Allah’s laws, Muslims affirm their submission to the divine will. Consequently, the notion of hastening death through assisted means would be seen as a direct affront to this divine scheme, an attempt to tamper with the sacred timing appointed by Allah. As such, the principles of faith and the yearning for eternal reward firmly underpin the Muslim community’s unyielding commitment to upholding the sanctity of life, as ordained by their Creator.
