Is Suicide Haram (Forbidden) in Islam?
Suicide is a profound and complex issue that has deep implications on both an individual and a societal level. In Islam, the act of taking one’s own life is explicitly forbidden and Islamic scholars consider it a major sin tht is equal to killing another soul unjustly. Allah commands us in the Quran in Surat Al-Isra, verse 33: “And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right”. This verse highlights the sacredness of life and so just like other lives are sacred, your own life is sacred as well.
Furthermore, the Quran also mentions in Surat Al-Baqarah, verse195: “And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands, and do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good”. This verse emphasizes the importance of preserving one’s life and refraining from self-inflicted harm. It encourages believers to engage in virtuous actions that contribute positively to society.
Consequences of Committing Suicide
As mentioned, Suicide is considered as a major sin but what makes it even worse than all other sins is that there are no second chances and no way of repenting from this sin. Therefore, there will be a severe punishment for the one who commits suicide as the Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) said: “He who commits suicide by throttling shall keep on throttling himself in the Hell Fire (forever), and he who commits suicide by stabbing himself shall keep on stabbing himself in the Hell Fire” (Sahih Bukhari). The Prophet also said in another hadith: “He who kills himself with steel (weapon) will be the eternal denizen of the Hell Fire and he who drinks poison and kills himself with it, his poison will be in his hand, and he will keep on taking it in the Hell Fire forever and ever” (Sahih Muslim). These two hadiths from the Sunnah (sayins and teachings of the Prophet) vividly illustrate the severe consequences of suicide in the hereafter. It emphasizes the eternal nature of the punishment for those who take their own lives.
Why is Suicide Haram in Islam?
Someone who is facing hardship in life or suffering from severe depression or illness would ask “Why can’t I just end it all by killing myself?”. The obvious and direct answer is to please Allah and avoid entering the Hell Fire but I would like to dive deeper into this matter and explain why is suicide Haram from an Islamic perspective. According to my understanding of Islam, there are 3 major reasons why suicide is Haram:
1. Islam teaches that we belong to Allah and we shall return to Him when we die. Therefore, you as a Muslim have the free will to do whatever you want in this life but you DON’T have the right to terminate something that doesn’t belong to you. Allah decreed a specific time and date of birth and death for each one of His creations and ONLY HE decides when it’s time to return back to Him.
2. Islam teaches that Allah created everything for a reason and so each soul has a purpose to fulfill as mentioned in Surat Al-Rum, verse 8: “Have they not reflected upon their own being? Allah only created the heavens and the earth and everything in between for a purpose and an appointed term. Yet most people are truly in denial of the meeting with their Lord”. The act of suicide goes against Allah’s divine plan and it prevents the individuals who commit it from fulfilling the true purpose of their existence.
3. Islam teaches that the hardships and challenges faced in this life are only a test from Allah which is clearly explained in the Quran in Surat Al-Baqarah: “155) We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure. 156) who say, when struck by a disaster, “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will all return”. 157) They are the ones who will receive Allah’s blessings and mercy. And it is they who are rightly guided”. These challenges will certainly lead to some pain and suffering but suicide should NEVER be an option for a Muslim as it will result in the failure of the TEST. It may appear on the surface that these hardships are a punishment from Allah but the truth is, they are actually blessings from Allah and the only way for you to taste the fruits of these blessings is by showing true patience as mentioned in the verses above. The wisdom behind the trials and tribulations that you’ll face in this world is to get you closer to Allah by strengthening your eman (faith), prepare you for the next phase in this life, purify you from all your saye’at (bad deeds) and increase your hasanat (good deeds) on the Day of Judgement. So being content and patient to whatever Allah Has destined for you is the key to true happiness and success in the dunya (this life) and akhira (next eternal life).
Temporary World vs. Jannah (Eternal Paradise)
Islam emphasizes that the trials of this world are transient, while the afterlife, particularly Jannah is everlasting. Choosing patience and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges is rewarded with an eternal life of bliss in the hereafter.
Suicide is unequivocally forbidden in Islam, with the Quran and Sunnah (Hadith) providing clear guidelines on the sanctity of life and the severe consequences of self-destruction. Believers are encouraged to seek help, find solace in prayer, and persevere through life’s challenges, knowing that the temporary world is a prelude to the eternal reward of Jannah.