Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Cancer Treatment: A Research Study in the Light of Islamic Jurisprudence and Modern Oncology

Abstract

Cancer is one of the most critical health challenges of the contemporary world, requiring advanced and multidisciplinary approaches for effective treatment and patient care. Among the most widely used therapeutic methods in modern oncology are chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which aim to control, reduce or eliminate malignant cells in the human body. Despite their clinical effectiveness, these treatments are often associated with severe physical, psychological and emotional side effects, raising important ethical and religious questions, particularly within Muslim societies. This study explores the role of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer treatment and analyzes their permissibility and ethical dimensions in the light of Islamic jurisprudence and modern medical science. The research highlights that Islam places great emphasis on the preservation of human life and encourages seeking medical treatment for all forms of illness. Through principles such as necessity (darurah), harm reduction (la darar wa la dirar), and public welfare (maslahah), Islamic law provides a flexible framework for addressing modern medical challenges. The study demonstrates that chemotherapy and radiotherapy are generally considered permissible in Islamic jurisprudence when they are prescribed by qualified medical professionals and aimed at saving or improving life, even if they involve temporary suffering.Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the importance of integrating psychological, spiritual and ethical care alongside medical treatment to ensure holistic patient well-being. It concludes that modern oncology and Islamic teachings are not in conflict but are complementary in promoting human dignity, healing, and compassion in healthcare.