of the law as a whole.

The rulings on seeking treatment vary with circumstances and persons:

• It is obligatory when neglecting it would cause the loss of one’s life, the destruction of a limb, permanent disability, or when the illness could harm others, such as in contagious diseases.

• It is recommended when failure to treat would merely weaken the body, without leading to any of the outcomes mentioned in the first category.

• It is permissible when the situation fits neither of the two preceding cases.

• It is disliked when the treatment itself is feared to bring about complications more serious than the ailment it aims to remove.

Second: Treating cases judged hopeless

(a) Muslim belief holds that illness and recovery are in Allah’s hands, and that medical treatment is simply employing the means Allah has placed in creation. Despairing of Allah’s relief or losing hope in His mercy is forbidden; hope for recovery by His permission must be maintained. Physicians and relatives should therefore raise the patient’s spirits, persist in caring for him, and ease his physical and psychological pain, regardless of whether a cure is anticipated.

(b) Whether a case is deemed beyond cure is determined by physicians in light of the medical resources available at each time and place, and in view of the patient’s specific circumstances.

Third: The patient’s consent

(a) The patient’s permission is required for treatment when he possesses legal competence. If he lacks full competence, the consent of his guardian is taken, following the established order of guardianship in Islamic law and its rules, which restrict the guardian’s actions to what benefits the ward, serves his interests, and removes harm from him. Nevertheless, the guardian’s refusal to grant permission is disregarded if it is clearly