This Is What Islam Say About Committing Suicide and Why Is It Forbidden And
Solution: Better suicide awareness and mental health literacy
Suicide is one of the most painful things which no one wishes to bear. But, Suicide has been a label as NOT THE LAST OPTION by every religion of the world.
No matter what religion you follow, in all killing yourself is forbidden. But today, we will talk about what Islam says about killing oneself, as Islam is one and the right religion in the world. Most people who commit suicide, list Depression, Stress and Sadness as the major reasons why people commit suicide. So, we collected the references from Quran and Hadith which address this topic and these things tell why SUICIDE is Forbidden in Islam.
This Is What Quran Says About Committing Suicide
Allah does not like when someone’s life is Taken, even if it’s your own life. In a reference from Quran 4:29 it is clearly written that Allah has said NO to KILLING YOURSELF!
While in Hadith, it is said that if one commits suicide he will be in HELL for forever, no matter how pious that person was. In this Hadith, is used as a reference by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH);
While, on the other hand, it is written that no matter how much calamity one faces, death is not the solution. Which was the thing also discussed by Allah in Quran.
This is indeed a sad thing seeing people killing themselves because of hardships they are facing. The sole reason of this things is the absence of Islam in their lives. All of us should keep reciting Quran and follow the Sunnah and pray 5 times every day, as these are the things full of peace and happiness.
In Islam, suicide is Haram, a major sin.
“… And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you. And whoever commits that through aggression and injustice, We shall cast him into the fire, and that is easy for Allah”. (Quran, 4:29-30).
If one kills themselves to escape calamities of this world then what of the hellfire? A believer should remember that this world is a test; Allah states that He does not burden a soul with more than it can bear (Quran, 2:286).
The believer needs to be patient with his trial, seek comfort and closeness to Allah through his prayers. Remember that he is not the only one who is suffering. He can recollect the trials of the Prophets and their people and remember he too can make it through. Allah will not let his suffering go to waste.
Aisha (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “No believer is pricked by a thorn or more but that Allah will raise him one degree in status or erase a sin.” (Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 5317, Sahih Muslim 2572).
People are better able to cope when they have at least one person who believes in them, wants the best for them, and in whom they can confide. It also helps to remember that most problems are temporary and can be overcome.
If you are struggling with problems, try to confide in someone you trust with what’s going on. Be around people who are caring and positive. Ask someone to help you solve the problem that you’re facing. You can always approach a therapist or a counsellor if you are feeling down and depressed – or if you lack a strong support network or feel you can’t cope.
Those with the intention to help, watch out for the warning signs:
Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or alone.
Saying they have no reason to go on living
making a will or giving away personal possessions.
Searching for a means of doing personal harm, such as buying a gun.
Sleeping too much or too little.
Eating too little or eating too much, resulting in significant weight gain or loss.
Engaging in reckless behaviours, including excessive alcohol or drug consumption.
Avoiding social interactions with others.
Expressing rage or intentions to seek revenge.
Showing signs of extreme anxiousness or agitation having dramatic mood swings.
Talking about suicide as a way out.
It can seem overwhelming but getting someone the help they need may prevent a suicide attempt or death. If you know someone or suspect someone who may be considering suicide, talk to them about your concerns. Begin the conversation in a way that is not judgmental and not a confrontation. Make sure to stay calm and speak in a reassuring tone. Acknowledge their feelings, offer support and encouragement. Tell them that help is available and they can get better with treatment.
Do not minimize their problem or attempt at shaming them to change their mind. This will not solve the issue. Their resolve might only get stronger. You can always get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline.
Solution: Better suicide awareness and mental health literacy
Nsour suggested ways that the silence and stigma around suicide can be challenged.
“The discussion around it needs to be normalized,” he said. “We need to have this discussion in our Islamic schools, Sunday schools, youth groups. The Imams, youth directors, Halaqa leaders need to be trained to know what to do, how to speak about it.”
He also suggested that the community should be made aware of suicide hotline numbers like Crisis Text Line, even posting them “in our bathrooms at the Masajid,” and to “dedicate one Khutba (Friday sermon) a year addressing this topic.”
Another solution is educating Imams and community leaders, who are on the frontline of the crisis. Islam recommends that they receive mental health first aid training, which is widely offered in Canada in mainstream social service settings.
Some of these initiatives are alread happening. Awaad, who is also Director of the Stanford Muslim Mental Health Lab, said this institution is working on developing a manual for Muslim communities in the aftermath of a suicide.
As mentioned above, she has already been offering such trainings across the country.
In addition, the Stanford Muslim Mental Health Lab is working on a white paper that will gather the Islamic rulings on suicide to give religious leaders suggestions on what to say and how to say it post-suicide.
“Some people need the Imam to say it’s okay to grieve and not judge. Others need counselors to say ‘this is how you handle it’. We need both resources”
She is hopeful for the future.
“In most cases, with proper intervention, suicide is preventable,” she said. “Especially with the younger generation, across the board, they tend to be much more willing to talk about this.”
In terms of the general community, Nadia emphasized the need to develop the skill of listening without judgment, and offering empathy.
“Just let them talk and let them say what they need to say,” she advised. “Talk to them on a regular basis. You just want someone willing to listen and not judge. You can suggest some help. But let them know you’re still there. You’re not going to disappear. Then that makes us feel very isolated. We need to remember that it is our responsibility to make sure our community is healthy.”
Islam said Muslims can also help on an individual basis by reaching out to someone in crisis, and sharing incidents of personal hardship they were able to get through successfully.
She advised people to ask themselves “how can you be that hope for someone else (and pay) it forward?”
When people kill themselves, they think they’re ending the pain, but all they’re doing is passing it on to those they leave behind.
Don't Commit Suicide
