What does Islam say about suicide?
Islam takes a very serious stance against suicide, considering it a grave sin with severe consequences in the hereafter. The Qur'an emphasizes the sanctity of life, stating, And slay not the life which Allah hath forbidden save with right.
17:33. This verse highlights that taking a life unjustly is prohibited, and it is understood to extend to taking one's own life.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also spoke extensively about the consequences of suicide. He warned that whoever kills himself with an iron weapon will be holding that weapon on the Day of Resurrection, stabbing it into his abdomen, abiding eternally in the Fire of Hell, and whoever kills himself with poison will have the poison in his hand, tasting it forever in the Fire of Hell.
Sunan al-Tirmidhi 28:9. Similarly, another narration states, Whoever drinks poison and kills himself is tasting it continuously in the fire of Hell, abiding there forever.
Sunan Ibn Majah 32:25.
Furthermore, hadith literature emphasizes that the punishment for suicide is severe. The Prophet ﷺ indicated that those who commit this act will face eternal punishment, reinforcing the message that life is sacred and should not be taken lightly.
In scholarly commentary, it is noted that suicide represents a rejection of Allah's mercy and a despair in His plan, which is why the act is viewed so gravely. Thus, Islam encourages individuals to seek help and support in times of distress and to maintain hope in Allah's mercy.
Sources
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17:33 · Al-Israa
17:33 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا۟ ٱلنَّفْسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ ۗ وَمَن قُتِلَ مَظْلُومًۭا فَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا لِوَلِيِّهِۦ سُلْطَٰنًۭا فَلَا يُسْرِف فِّى ٱلْقَتْلِ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ مَنصُورًۭا
And slay not the life which Allah hath forbidden save with right. Whoso is slain wrongfully, We have given power unto his heir, but let him not commit excess in slaying. Lo! he will be helped.
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Sunan al-Tirmidhi 28:9
Sunan al-Tirmidhi · Book 28, Hadith 9 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Messenger of Allah said, "Whoever kills himself with an iron weapon, holding that weapon with which he stabbed his abdomen on the Day of Resurrection, he will abide forever in the Fire of Hell. Whoever kills himself with poison will taste it forever in the Fire of Hell. Whoever throws himself from a mountain and kills himself will abide in the Fire of Hell eternally."
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Sunan Ibn Majah 32:25
Sunan Ibn Majah · Book 32, Hadith 25 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: 'Whoever drinks poison and kills himself is tasting it continuously in the fire of Hell, abiding there forever.'
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