Is assisted dying allowed in Islam?

By Creator · October 13, 2026 · 1 min read

No. Scholars agree that actively ending a life, whether through euthanasia or assisted suicide, isn't allowed in Islam, even when someone is suffering. Life belongs to Allah. But Islam does allow strong pain relief and, in some cases, stopping treatment that no longer helps. Comfort and dignity at the end of life are encouraged.

Life is a trust from Allah

وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا "And do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful." Quran 4:29

In Islam, our lives aren't ours to end. Allah decides when life begins and when it ends. That's why scholars treat assisted dying the same as taking a life.

Suffering and patience

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "None of you should wish for death because of a calamity befalling him; but if he has to wish for death, he should say: O Allah! Keep me alive as long as life is better for me, and let me die if death is better for me" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5671).

Islam teaches that pain and illness can wipe away sins and raise a person's rank. This doesn't mean suffering is good; it means it's never meaningless.

What Islam does allow

Strong pain relief, even if it may shorten life as a side effect, as long as the intention is to relieve pain, not to end life.
Palliative and hospice care focused on comfort.
Stopping futile treatment in some cases, when doctors agree it no longer helps. See Can I turn off life support for a dying relative as a Muslim?
Refusing extreme interventions that only prolong dying, according to many scholars.

Living where it's legal

Assisted dying is legal in places like the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada and some US states. A Muslim shouldn't request it, or help someone else do it. You can still care for and comfort someone who is considering it, and gently share your view.

If you're struggling with dark thoughts

If you're thinking about ending your life, please reach out now: call your local emergency number, or a crisis line such as 988 in the USA or Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK and Ireland. See also Is depression a sign of weak faith in Islam?

Key points

Euthanasia and assisted suicide aren't allowed.
Life is a trust from Allah.
Pain relief and palliative care are encouraged.
Stopping futile treatment can be allowed.

Tip: If a loved one is terminally ill, ask the hospital about palliative care early. Good symptom control makes a huge difference to comfort and peace.

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