Eman Sakina

Suicide is one of the most painful things which no one wishes to bear and it has been labelled as not the last option by every religion in the world.

Friday Musings

However, these days, we often debate what Islam says about killing oneself. Allah does not like it when someone’s life is taken, even if it is your own. In Quran, it is written that Allah has said no to killing yourself!

“And do not kill yourselves; Surely, God is Most Merciful to You.” (Quran 4:29)

Many choose to end their lives to escape hardships in life. Hardships can be indebtedness, heartbreak, constant abuse, stress, or depression. But in Quran, there is an indication from Allah that this world is temporary and the afterlife is eternal.

So verily, with hardship, there is ease. -Quran 94:5

Human life is sacred, according to the Quran. Life cannot be taken without cause, and Islamic principles inherently uphold this right. We are obligated to take good care of life because it is a gift from the Creator. Suicide for reasons such as worldly woes or hopelessness about God's kindness is strongly prohibited. Whoever takes his life in any way will be punished with the same on the Day of Resurrection, according to the Prophet Muhammad.

 It is a grave sin, and God will determine how its perpetrator will be punished. If He chooses, He will punish one for it or choose to pardon.

Life is an unending succession of moments.  At the two extremes, there are joyful moments that make our hearts soar and dark moments that plunge us into sadness and worry, or even despair.

Gladness and sadness are part of the human condition, however, when we lose control over our emotions we can easily fall into despair. 

Despair is the feeling that we get when all hope has disappeared and it is a very dangerous situation.  God tells us not to despair and particularly not to despair of His mercy.  God has not abandoned us in face of the temptations and trials we face in this world; He is ever merciful and has equipped us with potent weapons.  God gives us clear guidelines and promises two things if we worship Him and follow His guidance we will be rewarded with Paradise and after hardship, we will find ease.

“But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, we shall admit them to the Gardens under which rivers flow (i.e., in Paradise), to dwell therein forever.

[It is] the promise of God, [which is] truth, and whose words can be truer than those of God.” (Quran 4:122)

God has promised us that He is aware of the situations that we face and He has given us weapons with which to face them.

God the most merciful, compassionate, and beneficent has instructed us to inculcate these attributes and treat each other with respect and fairness.  This includes not leaving anyone alone with their problems and worries.  A little bit of support and care might help someone avoid the sin of ending their own life.

God also tells us not to mock, scorn, insult, abuse, or put down one another.

If we are mindful that God has control over all things and that He ultimately wants us to live forever in Paradise, we can begin to leave our sadness and worry behind.

If we face our fears and anxieties with complete trust in God and if we show patience and gratitude with all our circumstances, sadness and worry will disappear or at least feel lighter.

Prophet Muhammad said: Indeed, amazing are the affairs of a believer!  They are all for his benefit.   If he is granted ease then he is thankful, and this is good for him. 

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And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres, and this is good for him.