Islamic Teachings on the Sanctity of Life and the Prohibition of Suicide

The Sacredness of Human Life in Islam

In Islam, life is not merely a coincidence but a divine journey, one designed for a seeker with a divine purpose and a clear moral code. It is a gift from Allah, meant for worship and submission to His will. This journey is not without challenges; rather, these challenges are integral, designed to guide believers to their predestined paths.

“And I did not create the Jinn and mankind except to worship Me”

[Quran : Surat-uz-Zaariyat’ 51:56]

Allah created humanity for a specific purpose. The meaning of life, the ultimate goal of mankind is encapsulated in that purpose. To be ignorant of this purpose, or to fall into a void of nihilism, is to deny the very essence of existence. In Islam, serving humanity is a vital part of fulfilling life's purpose. Acts of charity, kindness, compassion & absorbing one's being in social welfare and justice are not just good deeds, they are forms of worship. Human beings, honored by Allah, are gifted with free will, wisdom, and moral responsibilities, making them the noblest of creation.

“We have certainly created man in the best of stature”

[Quran : Surat-ut-Teen’ 95:4] 

Life’s Trials - A Test of Faith and Character

In Islam, life is a series of tests, calamities and blessings that reveal a believer's faith, resilience, and dedication to righteous deeds. None has ever been lifted from life’s challenges which are necessary for the their growth. These trials are not meant to break the believer but to shape & transform their divine soul and awaken their consciousness. They allow individuals to see themselves clearly: their strengths, weaknesses, and attachments to the material world.

“It is He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed, and He is the Exalted in Might, The Forgiving”

[Quran : Surat-ul-Mulk’ 67:2]

Life’s challenges serve to distinguish truth from falsehood. While we are going through a test we witness what is true and untrue in our nature and actions. These challenges strip away illusions that have bone-breaking grip on us, whether spiritual, moral, or intellectual, that is ceasing the growth of the inner self & luring us all into an abyss. This transformation is necessary for opening doors to deeper consciousness and understanding the complex reality of human existence.

The Islamic Ruling on Suicide

Islam firmly prohibits suicide. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

 “No pain, hardship, sickness or grief befalls a believer, not even worry that befalls him, but some of his bad deeds will be expiated.”

[Narrated by al-Bukhari (5642) and Muslim (2573)]

Islam discouraged the act of self-harm and the act of killing oneself. Accepting the challenges that Allah has bestowed upon His believers for a reason is an indication of one's trust in Allah's wisdom and faith in the potential of self. Suicide, by contrast, is a rejection of these divine tests and a sign of distrust in Allah’s mercy, and dismissal of the wisdom behind this objective.

“… And do not kill yourselves (or one another). Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful..."

[Quran : Surat-un-Nissa’ 4:29-30]

Quran asserts that Allah’s wisdom surpasses human understanding, and the divine reasons behind suffering are beyond the comprehension of all creation.

"...Indeed, I know that which you do not know."
[Quran : Surat-ul-Baqara’ 2:30]

Suicide is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam and is classified as a major sin. Whoever steps up to take their life by any means thinking to rescue themselves from a situation that seems beyond their control at the moment are in actual trapping themselves in the worst consequences in the afterlife. No amount of sufferings of the world can overshadow the punishment of hereafter and no amount of goodness of the world can undervalue the reward of hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cautioned the believers about the punishment of suicide in Ahadith described below:

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever throws himself down from a mountain and kills himself will be throwing himself down in the Fire of Hell forever and ever. Whoever drinks poison and kills himself will be sipping it in the Fire of Hell forever and ever. Whoever kills himself with a piece of iron will have that iron in his hand, thrusting it into his belly in the Fire of Hell forever and ever.”

[Narrated by al-Bukhari (5442) and Muslim (109)]

Thabit ibn Dahhak (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever kills himself with something will be punished with it on the Day of Resurrection.”

[Narrated by al-Bukhari (5700) and Muslim (110)]

The Concept of Divine Punishment

To restrain humans from taking actions that are harmful to them or others of which they have no knowledge, certain kind of acts have been prohibited to save mankind from throwing themselves into the lowest of the low and darkest of the dark. Different kinds of people require different types of psychological persuasion to make them walk on the path of guidance. For some, the mere command of Allah is enough to keep them from destruction, as they are driven by their deep faith and submission. For others, the promise of reward and good tidings motivates their behavior, encouraging them toward righteousness. Another group is guided by logic and reason, understanding the wisdom behind divine laws. Yet, for some, the warnings of punishment and the fear of consequences are necessary to restrain them from steering their lives into ruin. Each group responds to different forms of divine guidance, ensuring that all are given the tools to stay on the straight path.

Patience: The Key to Overcoming Calamities

Calamities are part of the natural order of the universe that is nested in chaos. It is the root of human existence where birth from order and rebirth from disorder keep running the circle of life. Believers must know that they are not the only ones on whom calamity has befallen. Even prophets, the most righteous of mankind have been tested as well. Islam teaches us the way to cope with it and patience & reliance on Allah are the greatest defenses against the trials of life. Patience and perseverance in the face of adversity illuminate the path forward. (Click the link to read about the Virtues of patience in Islam.)

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient”

[Quran : Surat-ul-Baqara’ 2:155]

Mental Illness In Islam

Islam recognizes mental illness as a genuine health condition and encourages people to seek help from mental health professionals, counselors, and knowledgeable religious scholars who can provide support and enlightenment in difficult times. It is essential to acknowledge the reality of mental illness without attaching cultural stigmas. If you are unable to accept the reality of mental illness and do not understand what to do then just be mindful of your words and actions to bring peace and wellness to your fellow beings rather than being a source of suffering. Islam teaches compassion and empathy towards those who suffer from mental health challenges, advising us to guide them towards appropriate healing resources and motivating them to seek out the help of a health care worker as a necessary part of their healing.

“The Muslim is the brother of his fellow Muslim; he does not wrong him or let him down. The one who meets the needs of his brother, Allah will meet his needs. Whoever relieves a Muslim of distress, Allah will relieve him of distress on the Day of Resurrection.”

[Narrated by al-Bukhaari (2442) and Muslim (2580)]

ALLAH knows Best!