ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Code of Practice For Muslims in the West Medical Issues Introduction Because of the scientific and technological advancements in the West, the Muslims travelling to these countries seeking treatment are increasing, just as the Muslim residents in these parts of the world need medical treatment. General Rules It is not permissible to perform autopsy on the body of a dead Muslim for the sake of education and other purposes.

It is only permissible, if the life of another Muslim depends on it—even if it is sometime in the future. It is permissible to transplant an organ from an animal (including dogs and pigs) to a human being; the transplanted organ will be considered as an organ of the recipient; all rules will apply to it. So salat will be permissible with it by considering it ritually pure (tahir) after it becomes part of the human body and its cells become rejuvenated.

(See the question-answer section below.) It is not permissible for a doctor to switch off the medical apparatus providing a Muslim patient with oxygen, even if he is brain dead, i.e. in vegetative state. This is because the human life in Islam is sacrosanct. The doctor should not give in to the demand of the patient or his family-members for stopping medical aid. If the doctor pulls out the plug and the Muslim patient dies because of it, he will be considered killer.

It is not permissible for a medical student to look at the private parts of anyone during his or her training for that profession, unless he would be repelling serious harm from a Muslim in the process—even if it is sometime in the future— . It is not obligatory on a Muslim to investigate whether or not the medicine [given to him] consists of forbidden ingredients, even if the process of reading a result is easy for him.

Question and Answers Question: The serious harm of narcotic drugs to the user or society in general (whether from being addicted to them or other [sociatal, familial, and ethical] reems) is well known. Therefore, the doctors and health care professionals are strongly opposing the misuse of drugs and the laws governing the society is also strongly against it. So, what is the view of the noble shari‘a on this matter?

Answer: By considering the serious harm of narcotic drugs, it is forbidden to use them due to the great damage they cause.