In very simple words, death is the end of life. So in this simple definition another term is needed to be explained and it is: life. For the human being, life is the existence of an individual. If we take the term existence as easy to understand, because not every word can be explained in a limited opportunity, now we can define death and that is “death is the end of existence”.

In medical science, death is the permanent and irreversible cessation of all vital functions, namely brain function, respiratory function, and circulatory or cardiac function. Therefore, the medical definition elaborates further on the two aspects of the usual definition, “end” and “existence.” Thus, for death, “end” represents something permanent and irreversible, and “existence” is represented mainly by functioning.

Integrating the two previous aspects, death can be defined in a very rational and scientific way as the absolute disappearance of functioning. In the science of psychology or psychiatry, theology is also included, with ethical and philosophical points, to have the integral questions. Therefore, it is assumed that the theological or religious aspect of death is also important for the purpose of psychiatric investigation. As a Muslim doctor, I will try to mention the Islamic point of view on death.

Islam defines death as a mandatory transition event between “life before death” and “life after death”. So if we integrate the scientific aspect with the description, the definition of death for a Muslim would be the absolute disappearance of the functions for the period of time between the two lives, one before death and one after death. As a result, he abandons the permanent and irreversible criterion of “end” in the concept of death with the help of the concept of life after death.

In our daily life, death is related to the greatest stresses due to knowledge: death ends. It is also backed by science so far. But when the question of religion comes up, specifically Islam, this knowledge changes for a religious person. Therefore, it can easily be assumed that death becomes a less stressful event for a Muslim, when he really believes in Islam. I think the time has come for science to take into account definitions derived from religions for the sake of greater convenience in our daily lives.