What is the ruling on stopping treatment for someone who is not expected to be cured?

Question:
Is it permissible in the Shari'ah to stop treatment for a patient whom the doctors have confirmed cannot be cured, or is it not?

Answer:
This matter requires detailed consideration. The Islamic Fiqh Academy in Makkah, under my presidency, studied it. The brother scholars examined it and clarified that it is obligatory for those in charge to provide treatment and care to the best of their ability. If they know that there is no benefit in the medical treatment, and that the medicine is of no use or benefit, then there is no harm in leaving it and letting him be, because the purpose of medicine is benefit. If the attending doctors know that this medicine is of no benefit or use, and may even cause harm, then it is left to the decree of Allah. However, if they find something that helps sustain life, or is beneficial in itself, they should do it: whether it is drink, injections, cooling, or other known means. But if, according to their knowledge, it is of no benefit, then there is no harm in leaving it.