Q: i live in a suburb in England. I was refered to you by xxxxxx.

My father could not survive on a respirator. This was told to us by the doctors. He was placed on a life support system on Tuesday before Ramadaan. My brothers wanted a Friday janaza in Ramadaan  during the jummah prayer. They unplugged the respirator of the day of Jummah while the Jummah azan was taking place in our city. Would this be Friday death? Or Tuesday death? Who would be a sinner? Dad? Sons? (email)

A: Although i appreciate your query, it appears that the sons are worthy of sin. In reality, they are similar to that of killers. Once a person is placed on a respirator as indicated by you, this respirator survival must continue until the individual passes away naturally. Thus, in reality, your father was killed on a Friday, not died respectfully of Tuesday. The respirator (life support system) can only be used if pious doctors give valid insight through experience and proof as it relates to the patients future survival as predicated by previous patient history or professional experience/knowledge, etc. that the patient would indeed have a life of greater quality than that of current. This does not seem to be the case as it relates to your situation. Thus, those placing your father on the respirator for a timely and convenient death of ‘Friday’ coupled with it being in Ramadaan were wrong, more so, when they were told of your fathers possible lack of survival.

Thus, had your father not instructed your brothers to do as such, he would not be held as a sinner. Had your father instructed your brothers to do so, both father and sons would be held liable in the Court of Allah (SWT). Had your father not had anything to do with this matter, then in such a situation he would gain the reward for waiting out this last few days in patience.

From here, we also gather that we must leave pious children behind, for if we leave behind sinners or children that lack religious sensitivity, then it  can be possible that they would not respect our life and/or death.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

p.s. better to share my response with your local muftis for greater clarity.