Ethical Issues Confronting Muslim Patients in Perioperative and Critical Care Environments

The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic, social distancing, and observance of religious holidays: Perspectives from Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism

“…A thorough discussion of Islamic law is outside the scope of this manuscript, but we refer the readers to our prior discussions of the topic. [ 8 12 13 ] The decision on how to handle religious observance and PDS during the COVID-19 pandemic is not unanimous among Muslim scholars. [ 14 15 ] The International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IFA) affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has recommended adhering to PDS, including the permissibility of closing mosques to prayers, and suspending Tarawih prayers, Eid prayers, performance of pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah), closing educational institutions, and adopting the principle of distance education.…”

“…Fasting during the 9 th month (Ramadan) of the Islamic lunar calendar is a religious obligation for able-bodied adult Muslims as prescribed in the Qur'an 2:186. [ 13 ] Fasting is obligatory upon every adult Muslim who is of sound mind, not ill, and not traveling (Quran 2:184). Historically, the decision to fast in the event of illness depends upon the nature and severity of illness.…”

“…Historically, the decision to fast in the event of illness depends upon the nature and severity of illness. [ 13 ] A comprehensive discussion of all medical illnesses, medications, and procedures in the context of Ramadan is beyond the scope of this manuscript; however, readers are referred to our summary of judicial rulings in the form of fatawa published elsewhere. [ 13 ] All 13 identified fatawa (1 Sunni, 11 Shi'a, 1 joint Sunni and Shi'a) indicate that illness is a valid reason exempting one from fasting.…”

“…[ 13 ] A comprehensive discussion of all medical illnesses, medications, and procedures in the context of Ramadan is beyond the scope of this manuscript; however, readers are referred to our summary of judicial rulings in the form of fatawa published elsewhere. [ 13 ] All 13 identified fatawa (1 Sunni, 11 Shi'a, 1 joint Sunni and Shi'a) indicate that illness is a valid reason exempting one from fasting. [ 13 ] Although specific verbiage may vary, the most common criteria are that the patient reasonably and justifiably fear that the fast will cause him/her significant loss or harm.…”

Clarification on Islamic Jurisprudence and Transplantation

“…In such dilemmas where the Qu’ran or Hadīth do not clearly describe the proper course of action, principles including ijtihad (independent legal reasoning), 3 , 4 istihsan (preferential reasoning of jurists), al-urf (local customary precedent), and al-masalih al-mursalah (public interest or welfare) may offer guidance. 5 , 6 Ijtihad -generated rulings ( fatawa ), however, are case specific and not globally binding. 5 , 7 , 8 Jurist disagreements ( ikhtilaf ) are common and key to understanding the Islamic legal tradition.…”