My Mother Is in a Coma. Is It Permissible to Stop Hydration?

Answered by Ustadha Raidah Shah Idil

Question: Assalam aleykum,

My mother has been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). There is no known cure. Two weeks ago she was put on an IV in order to receive hydration. For 10 days she has been in a coma. Her doctor has recommended that we stop hydration to let her go. Is it permissible to stop hydration?

Answer: Assalamualaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray this finds you well. Please forgive me for the delay.

Istikhara

As you have correctly described, the decision to stop hydration for your mother is up to you and your family. Because CJD does not have a cure, then it is permissible for you to stop hydration, as it is akin to medication.

To help ease your heart, I encourage you to perform the Prayer of Guidance up til 7 times in regards to stopping hydration for your mother.

I pray that Allah grants your mother the highest rank in Jannah, and that He grant you and the rest of your family strength, patience, and acceptance of His Decree. May you all be reunited in Jannahtul Firdous.

Please see:

Extending Life Support When No Recovery is Expected

Wassalam,
[Ustadha] Raidah Shah Idil

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Raidah Shah Idil has spent almost two years in Amman, Jordan, where she learned Shafi’i’ fiqh, Arabic, Seerah, Aqeedah, Tasawwuf, Tafsir and Tajweed. She continues to study with her Teachers in Malaysia and online through SeekersHub Global. She graduated with a Psychology and English degree from University of New South Wales, was a volunteer hospital chaplain for 5 years and has completed a Diploma of Counselling from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. She lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with her husband, daughter, and mother-in-law.