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As geriatricians with interests in Islamic (S.M.H.A.) and Jewish (M.G.) bioethics,^1-2 we read with interest the article by Brett and Jersild³ discussing religious beliefs that may engender conflict with health care providers. Brett and Jersild³ cited 4 commonly invoked reasons by Christian patients and families to support aggressive care near the end of life: (1) hope for a miracle; (2) refusal to give up on God; (3) every moment of life is precious; and (4) suffering may have redemptive value. Given that similar arguments may arise in similar circumstances among Muslim and Jewish patients, we believed that it would be useful to provide perspectives from these 2 monotheistic faiths for the benefit of readers of the ARCHIVES.

Muslims believe all healing comes ultimately from God and recognize that no cure is possible except by God's will. However, Muslims are commanded to seek attention from experts (ie, qualified health practitioners) when . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Shabbir M. H. Alibhai, MD, MSc, FRCPC; Michael Gordon, MD, MSc, FRCPC, FRCP(Edin)
Toronto, Ontario