Question
My baby has been put on a breathing machine through her nostrils. The doctors want to put the contraption down her throat. I refused because one doctor said that this could continue for a whole year down the throat. If the throat method is used, the baby has to be sedated for 24 hours and cannot be moved. There are also high risks that she can go into a heart attack when inserting and removing it. She had it previously 11 days down her throat and suffered considerably, hence I have refused. They also want me to agree to a heart transplant. Is this permissible? These doctors also said that if she's not getting better they want to take away the IV medicine. Without the medicine the heart cannot function. They asked me if I agree to this. If I agree to discontinue the medicine gradually will I be sinful? After a few days on this kind of treatment, I have seen my baby. She is not gasping for air. She is quiet calm and even smiling with the air tube in her nose, and playing with toys. I told them to leave her alone and not to resort to the throat contraption. Am I wrong?
Answer
No, you are not wrong. The doctors are wrong. If the child is struggling to breathe, then it is necessary to put her on a breathing system. However, if she is lying calmly without struggling or gasping for air, then it is not necessary for a life support system. Maut comes at its appointed time no matter what is done or what is not done. Make dua and repose your trust in Allah Ta'ala. Don't attach much significance to what the doctors say on issues of this nature. Why torture the baby with the crude throat contraption when she is calm, smiling and not gasping for air? The idea to transform her tranquillity with torture is an inspiration of shaitaan who guides most doctors.
If termination of the medicine will definitely damage her heart, then it will not be permissible to discontinue it. Heart transplant is not permissible. A new haraam heart will not prolong her sojourn on earth. When the appointed time for departure arrives, it cannot be delayed one second. Maut operates with precision. May Allah Ta'ala shower His Rahmat on your baby and on you.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 21 No 11
- PDF page
- 4
Appears under Questions and Answers (approximate).