In Islam, CPR—including mouth-to-mouth resuscitation—is allowed when it is necessary to save a human life. It is regarded as a lawful and ethical act, provided the person is still alive or potentially revivable. The action must be free of any lustful intention, performed with dignity, and aligns with the Islamic teaching that saving one life is as if saving all humanity (Qur’an 5:32).
What Is CPR and the Kiss of Life in Medical Terms?
The kiss of life, or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, is, in fact, different from romantic kissing. It is an innovative medical method of first aid used for rescuing those suffering from heart failure or breath stoppage for any reason.
The kiss of life is given by taking a deep breath to fill one’s lungs, fixing one’s mouth tightly on that of the victim and blowing into his/her mouth while holding the victim’s nose and pressing his/her chest.
The whole process is repeated until the victim starts breathing again.
Is CPR Allowed in Islam? The Core Ruling
The kiss of life is legally permissible because it is a means of resuscitation. Yet, it is impermissible unless necessary.
When Does Mouth-to-Mouth Become Impermissible?
So, if it is certain that the victim has already died, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation becomes impermissible, for there is no necessity in such a case.
Guidelines for Giving CPR in Islamically Ethical Ways
On the other hand, the rescuer should observe the known medical ethics and rules while giving the kiss of life. Thus, the rescuer should give it with neither lust nor pleasure. He should bear in mind, while trying to rescue a human’s life, the statement of Almighty Allah when He says: “who saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind” (Al-Ma’idah 5:32)
