End-of-Life Autonomy: A New Guide for Muslims

How can religious beliefs, medical necessities, and German law be reconciled in a living will? A new guide addressing this sensitive issue was presented on December 15, 2025, at the Munich Press Club. We are pleased to have supported this important project as a partner and to have designed the publication.

An advance directive is a precious expression of self-determination—yet Muslim patients often face specific questions: How is the sanctity of life upheld? Which life-sustaining measures are compatible with their faith? And what does a legally sound formulation under German law (e.g., Section 1901a of the German Civil Code) look like?

A milestone for culturally sensitive care

The new “Guide to Drafting a Living Will for Muslims in Germany” fills an important gap. It offers practical guidance on how to uphold the right to self-determination in accordance with Islamic values.

The project is a collaboration between the Eugen Biser Foundation, the Robert Bosch Foundation, and FAU EZIRE (Research Center for Islam and Law in Europe). We had the opportunity to closely support this process and designed the visual presentation of the guide in such a way that its complex content is conveyed clearly, accessibly, and respectfully.

Comments from the presentation

During the press conference, experts such as Bavaria’s Commissioner for Integration, Karl Straub (Member of the State Parliament), and medical ethicist Dr. Leyla Güzelsoy emphasized the social significance of this document for fostering respectful coexistence within the healthcare system.

Download now

The guide is now available online. We are proud to be part of this effort to promote participation and religious self-determination in Bavaria through our design work.

👉 Click here to download the guide

Would you like to learn more about our work on this project or about designing publications for the social sector? Feel free to contact us!

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