Suicide (انتحار)
Definition
Suicide, known in Arabic as “انتحار” (intihār), refers to the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. This act is strictly forbidden within Islam and carries significant theological, ethical, and legal consequences.
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: انتحار (intihār)
- Turkish: intihar
Scriptural References and Teachings
The Qur’an addresses the issue of suicide explicitly in Surah An-Nisa (4:29):
<p>“And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.”</p>
This verse underscores the merciful nature of God and the sanctity of human life, denouncing the act of suicide.
Prophetic Traditions
Hadith literature, which records the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, unequivocally forbids suicide. These traditions reflect the Islamic ethos of resilience, patience in the face of hardship, and the belief that humans do not possess the authority to end their own lives. Below are a few examples:
- In Sahih Bukhari, it is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad said: “Whoever kills himself with something in this world will be tortured with it in the Hereafter.”
- Another Hadith from Sahih Muslim quotes the Prophet: “None of you should wish for death because of a calamity befalling him; but if he has to wish for death, he should say: O Allah! Keep me alive as long as life is better for me, and let me die if death is better for me.”
Contemporary Issues
Despite the clear prohibition, certain groups within the Islamic world have engaged in suicidal military missions. These actions are often framed within the broader Islamic concept of jihad and seen by participants as martyrdom (shahada) rather than suicide. Such acts are fervently debated within Muslim communities and among scholars, with significant contention surrounding their legitimacy.
Further Reading
For those interested in exploring the subject further, the following books are recommended:
- “Suicide in Islam: Theology and Law” by Faheem Ahmed Khan
- “Martyrdom and Sacrifice in Islam: Theological Dimensions” by Mahmood Amanat
- “Islamic Ethics and the Debate on Suicide Among Muslims” edited by Ali Abbas
Takeaways
- Prohibition in Islam: Suicide is strictly forbidden in Islamic teachings and is considered a grievous sin.
- Qur’an and Hadith: Both the Qur’an and Hadith enunciate the sanctity of human life and the importance of patience during adversity.
- Contemporary Issues: Contemporary debates surround the issue of self-sacrificial acts in armed conflicts, often framing them as martyrdom.
Conclusion
The act of suicide in Islam is deeply rooted in theological and moral teachings that emphasize the sanctity of life. While some groups view self-sacrificial acts in conflict as martyrdom, mainstream Islamic doctrine remains unchanged in explicitly condemning any form of self-harm or suicide. This dictate underscores a broader ethos within Islam that values endurance and patience, entrusting the end of life solely to divine will.
In adhering to Islamic teachings, the profound respect for life and divine wisdom compels believers to endure the trials of life with patience and submission, reiterating the Qur’anic directive and Prophetic tradition that life and death rest solely in God’s hands.
