Following on from last year’s ground breaking seminar on organ donations, Masjidul Quds in Gatesville will be hosting a seminar on the equally controversial issue of euthanasia. The event, which takes place this coming Sunday, will look at various aspects of the topic, including the legal, ethical, as well as the religious perspectives.

Masjidul Quds is quickly developing a reputation for tackling thorny issues in the Muslim community. According to mosque chairperson, Sataar Parker, they were trying to stimulate the level of debate around issues relating to contemporary Islam. They were prompted to host the seminar as a result of the success of last year’s event.

With the Muslim community often shying away from such difficult issues, Parker said they were eager to tackle the stigmas that surrounded such questions.

Amongst the guests at the seminar will be Prof. Sean Davison, a South African euthanasia campaigner who was charged with murder in New Zealand, after assisting his terminally ill mother to die. According to Parker, he would bring an academic and secular point of view regarding euthanasia. Kwazulu Natal based Dr Mohsin Ebrahim, will provide an academic and Islamic take on the issue, as well as Waheed Parker, an attorney who will bring forth the legal perspective.

“We will be having an academic, secular, islamic, and legal viewpoint on this matter. We don’t hope to have the answers, but at least we hope to succeed in tackling this very important and vexing issue of euthanasia,” he said.

Parker encourages the community to come out to the seminar, armed with questions for the three experts.

“If anyone wishes to ask a question, there will be a cordless microphone that will be doing the rounds. If you prefer to submit a written question, we request that your handwriting be a legible one, and we’ll be happy to answer all questions on this important subject,” he said.

The seminar will start immediately after Thur salah on Sunday and will conclude just before Asr. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)