Let's Talk About: Euthanasia

This is another fairly eye-opening topic which I intend to discuss today.

Euthanasia is the act of mercy-killing to patients who are terminally ill. This issue has been stirring up a storm of controversy lately, and still no definitive answer as to it's extent of acceptability has been brought up. It is, of course, a highly subjective topic and I do welcome comments on this post but please, no inflaming comments please :)

Why euthanasia is acceptable:

• It relieves the terminally-ill patient of further suffering.


• It is more economical if you look in the healthcare system's point of view: More space in hospitals to treat other patients, resources can be used on other patients, etc.

Why euthanasia is not acceptable:

• It is easily viewed as a crime against life and suicide in most religions.


• It is morally wrong.


• The medical professionals have the duty of sustaining a patient until he/she dies naturally.


• Family members would want to spend as much time possible with the dying patient.

In my point of view, euthanasia is actually acceptable as long as it is consented by a mentally-fit patient himself. It is unfair to make decisions upon a mentally fit patient who, technically speaking, is the only one who knows the suffering he/she is going through.

However, if I would unfortunately be in the patients position (which I hope i won't be), I wouldn't end my life with euthanasia, but I would stop taking my medicine, because in my religion it is morally wrong to know your time of death. At least refusing medicine still keeps your time of death uncertain.

That's my point of view. What's yours?

Let's Talk About: The Veil (Hijab) in Muslim Society

In turns out that Western perceptions in the topic of the women's veil is a symbol of oppression or weakness. Let's get this straight:

• We have to understand that the Asian society is culturally more conservative than Western society. Try going out anywhere in Asia and not covering enough and see how many signs of disapproval you get.


• Women are not the only ones to get clothing rules. Men in the Muslim society actually have to cover everything from their navel to their knees.


• If Westerners are tut-tutting over the Muslim veil, why not over the nuns' veils as well while they're at it?
  

That being said, it is unfair to look at everything in one point of view.

However, I must point out that it is true that in some parts of the world, the women are forced to cover up. In my opinion, there is no need for drastic measures because I am absolutely sure that women with proper moral values will actually do what they think is best.

On the other hand there are some places where the hijab is banned in governmental institutions, education sector, etc. My opinion of this matter is to actually allow women of a certain maturity to make their own choices. Actually, when a woman is forced not to wear a hijab, muslims consider it fine as long as she has an intention to wear it.

My final word on this matter is that freedom of choice needs to be emphasised, and this not only goes to Muslim women but to ther societies as well.

You can read up more on the issue in the book below, "The Veil Unveiled"