Islamic Perspective in Ethical Issues

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers Islamic bioethics, including theoretical frameworks, the five purposes of Sharia, major Fiqhi principles, and clinical regulations for terminal care and research.

Characteristics of Islamic Morals

They are of divine source, worship intent, and constant.

Casuistry

The theory of adopting no theory; it uses case comparison or analogy (paradigm cases) toward ethical consensus, similar to Fatwa issuance.

Principlism

A framework that includes four clusters of moral principles: autonomy, beneficence (do good), non-maleficence (do no harm), and justice.

Feminist Ethics

An ethical theory asserting that oppression is unjust and that autonomy should be a relational notion rather than individualistic.

Divine Command Theories

Religious ethics that refer to the commands of God (Allah) as the reference for telling right from wrong.

Primary Sources of Islam

The two main categories of sources used to guide Muslims: the Quran and the Sunnah.

Ijtihad

The deduction of decisions about issues that are not specifically stated in the Quran or Sunnah.

Maqasid Al-Sharia

Known as the "Purposes of the Islamic Law," these are standards that human actions should meet to be considered ethically acceptable.

Hifz An-Nafs

The Sharia purpose of the Preservation of Soul/Self/Life; this is the main purpose of the practice of medicine.

Hifz Ad-deen

The Sharia purpose of the Preservation of Religion/Faith, such as helping Muslims practice worship fully by minimizing disability.

Hifz Al-Aql

The Sharia purpose of the Preservation of Mind/Intellect, which includes the prohibition of substances like alcohol or drugs.

Hifz Al-Mal

The Sharia purpose of the Preservation of Wealth, prohibiting unnecessary investigations or interventions that cause financial burden.

Hifz Al-Nasl/Nasab

The Sharia purpose of the Preservation of Progeny/Lineage, which explains prohibitions on reproductive gametes donation or exchange.

The Principle of Intention (Qasd)

The major Fiqhi principle stating that deeds are judged by intentions; for example, an organ removal is judged by whether the intent is protection or financial gain.

The Principle of Harm (Dharar)

The major Fiqhi principle stating that injury should be relieved and that doctors should abstain from interventions known to harm the patient.

The Principle of Certainty (Yaqeen)

The major Fiqhi principle stating that certainty is not removed by doubt; for example, terminally ill patients are considered alive until evidence of death is certain.

The Principle of Hardship (Mashaqqat)

The major Fiqhi principle stating that difficulty calls forth ease; for example, allowing a surgeon to perform prayers before a long surgery.

The Principle of Custom (Urf)

The major Fiqhi principle where things are defined by customs; for example, using community standards to decide if doctor fees are acceptable.

Biomedical Research Controls

Guidelines including honesty, preserving researcher's writing rights, acknowledgement of supporting bodies, and adherence to K.S.A laws.

Terminal Incurable Disease

A fetal and incurable disease where death is most likely to occur within six months.

Consensus on Hopeless Recovery

The decision that a patient's recovery is hopeless must be reached by a consensus of three consultants.

Euthanasia

Relieving patient suffering by causing death via lethal dose or depriving them of nutrition, water, or oxygen.

IV Fluid and Parenteral Feeding

Considered a vital necessity that should not be withheld from a terminal patient who cannot be fed normally.

Duty of Care in Uncertainty

The obligation to provide care and refer patients to another provider if a professional feels incompetent or has a belief conflict, except in emergencies.