Brain death is the irreversible cessation of all brain functions, including the brain stem. Its acceptance as a criterion of death in modern medicine has reopened the question, in Islamic law, of when death actually occurs.
Classical fiqh defines death as the departure of the soul from the body and the ending of vital signs. The relationship of brain death to this definition is a debate with practical consequences for continuing life support and for organ transplantation.
This subject is treated within studies on the beginning and end of life and Assoc. Prof. Tuba Erkoç Baydar's research in bio-fiqh.