Muslim Leader States Assisted Dying Legislation Would Transform Society

An Islamic leader has stated that the legalization of assisted dying would transform society and its perceptions of the elderly, the ill, and individuals with disabilities. Current draft legislation under parliamentary review would permit terminally ill adults, with a prognosis of six months or less to live, to request assistance in ending their lives. Mufti Zubair Butt, based in Bradford—a city with the largest Muslim population in the UK—asserted that the proposed bill conflicts with Islamic tenets. Following a parliamentary vote where MPs supported the amendment by 330 to 275, he informed the BBC that “we need to make the best of it.” Prior to the parliamentary debate on the amendments, he stated, “I believe that the giving of life and the taking of life is the sole right and preserve of God.” He added that “The assisted dying bill devalues that and it effectively implies it is better to be dead than terminally ill.” Mufti Zubair, who also serves as a hospital chaplain in Leeds and a trustee for the Bradford Council for Mosques, further commented: “There is always wisdom in God’s decisions, but we may not understand that.” He indicated that the legislation “would alter, not just Muslims’, but society’s view towards the elderly, towards those who are seriously ill and disabled people.” Subsequent to Friday’s vote, Mufti Zubair declared: “Now we must work together to make sure the proper safeguards are adhered to in full and protect our most vulnerable from any unintended consequences.” He expressed apprehension that the safeguards might “get watered down” “when the spotlight is no longer on this issue.” He affirmed: “We have to double our efforts to ensure that doesn’t happen.” No Members of Parliament representing the Bradford district supported the bill. Judith Cummins, the MP for Bradford South, abstained from voting, whereas Anna Dixon, MP for Shipley; Naz Shah, MP for Bradford West; Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East; and Robbie Moore, MP for Keighley and Ilkley, all cast votes opposing the legislation. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater introduced the bill, imploring politicians to consider the families impacted by the “harrowing deaths” of certain terminally ill individuals during the vote. The proposed legislation stipulates that any individual wishing to end their life must: The bill is now set to undergo several months of deliberation and examination by MPs and peers, who possess the option to introduce amendments, with the endorsement of both Houses of Parliament being a prerequisite for its enactment into law. After the vote, Leadbeater commented: “If there are things that need to change, amendments that need to be put forward, let’s have that conversation.” She added: “I’m just glad we’ve been able to represent those voices today and we can take them onto the next stage.” For highlights from West Yorkshire, listeners can access BBC Sounds, or catch the most recent episode of Look North, or submit a story for consideration here. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s approach to external linking is available.