A new poll reveals overwhelming opposition among British Muslims to the legalisation of assisted suicide, ahead of a critical vote on the Assisted Suicide Bill
The survey, conducted by Whitestone Insight on behalf of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), involved 751 British Muslims sampled between 9th and 11th June 2025.
The findings highlight the deep concerns within the Muslim community about the ethical, social, and legal consequences of legalising assisted suicide.
- 84% of British Muslims believe assisted suicide is forbidden, in direct contradiction to Islamic teachings. Just 8% disagreed.
- 57% believe terminally ill patients may feel a responsibility to end their lives if assisted suicide is legalised, especially if they feel they are a burden.
- 75% support conscience protections, saying Muslim hospices and care homes should have a legal right to opt out of participation.
- 70% of respondents said they would be less likely to vote for an MP who supports the Bill at the next General Election.
The poll results demonstrate that British Muslims are overwhelmingly opposed to the introduction of assisted suicide. Given the strength of feeling, it is no surprise that over seven in ten Muslim voters say that their MP’s stance on this issue will influence their voting intention at the next General Election.
If the Assisted Suicide Bill becomes law, it would change the way we think about disability, illness, end-of-life care, and the value of life. Making it legal could lead to quiet pressure on people who are elderly, disabled, or very ill, making them feel like they should choose to die, rather than seeing it as a last option.
Commenting on the proposed Bill, Dr Naomi Green, Assistant-Secretary of the MCB said:
“The Muslim Council of Britain is concerned about the risks the Bill presents to vulnerable people, especially people with disabilities and minority groups who already face discrimination and disadvantage in society. We also fear the effect this legislation will have on Muslim healthcare staff and care homes, for whom conscience exemptions remain inadequate.”
“These findings send a clear message to policymakers: any move to legalise assisted suicide must take into account the serious ethical and communal concerns of faith communities. For British Muslims, the sanctity of life is a core principle, and legislation that undermines this risks eroding trust in our healthcare system and in those elected to protect the most vulnerable in society. MPs are urged to oppose the Bill.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
- For all media enquiries, contact: media@mcb.org.uk