DNR in Hospitals
I would like to ask about the issue of “do not resuscitate” when there is a serious illness where the patient is in a bad condition and has very little remaining life. Is this permissible in Islam? Please answer with details, thanks
Answer
Wa’alaykum as Salām wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuhu,
The ruling will depend on the condition of the patient. If:
- There is no hope of recovery and there is more discomfort, then one may decline the treatment. In this case, the patient may be put under DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)
- If there is hope of recovery, then it is advised to go with the treatment and use all means available.
- If a person is certain that he will be cured, then it will be necessary for him to to receive treatment.