Critical illness: does halalness matter?

IN general, critical illness refers to any serious health condition that poses an immediate threat to life, requires intensive medical attention, and often involves organ dysfunction or failure. Such illnesses typically necessitate treatment in a specialised intensive care unit (ICU) where close monitoring, advanced life-supporting therapies, and interventions are available to stabilise the patient and address severe complications. According to Nickson (2020), advances in intensive care have led to a growing cohort of chronic critical illness patients who would have otherwise succumbed to acute illness survive in a state dependent on prolonged intensive care therapies. This situation may cause a heavy burden of costs to the individual, family and society; it requires extreme use of resources and causes considerable distress to the patient and family. In Islam, critical illness is seen as a test of faith and a way to draw closer to Allah the Almighty, offering opportunities for patience, forgiveness, and purification from sins. Islam provides clear guidance on permissible and prohibited matters during illness, ensuring actions align with faith, such as allowing necessary (al-dharurah) medical treatments while prohibiting any practices that contradict Islamic beliefs. Muslims are encouraged to seek medical treatment, make prayers, and rely on Allah’s will, believing that all things, including illness, are part of His divine plan. Supporting and comforting the sick is also highly valued, as it strengthens empathy and community bonds. Through these actions, illness becomes a path for spiritual growth and acceptance of Allah’s wisdom.