The act of intentionally ending a life to relieve suffering, known as euthanasia or 'mercy killing,' is strictly forbidden (haram) in Islam and is considered a form of murder, which is a major sin. The same ruling applies to suicide and assisted suicide.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' has ruled decisively on this matter. Life is a sacred trust (amanah) from Allah, and only He has the right to give it and to take it away. Human beings do not have the right to end their own lives or the lives of others, regardless of the perceived motive. The challenges, illnesses, and pains of this world are a test from Allah, and a Muslim is required to bear them with patience (sabr). Doing so serves as an expiation for sins and a means of raising one's rank in the sight of Allah.

The argument of 'mercy' is invalid in this context, as true mercy lies in respecting the decree of Allah and caring for the sick through permissible means. It is not merciful to transgress the limits set by Allah. Killing a patient, even one who is terminally ill and in great pain, is a clear violation of the sanctity of life.

However, it is important to distinguish between active euthanasia and the cessation of medical treatment. If a trustworthy medical team determines that a treatment is futile and is merely prolonging the process of death without any hope of recovery, it is permissible to withhold or withdraw that treatment. This is not considered killing; rather, it is allowing the natural process of death, as decreed by Allah, to take its course. The intention is not to end the life, but to cease an intervention that is no longer beneficial. The fundamental prohibition remains on any action taken with the express intention of causing or hastening death.