Suicide (Arabic: قتل نفسه - Qatlu nafsi-hi)
Definition
Suicide in the Islamic context is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. The Arabic term for this is “Qatlu nafsi-hi” (قتل نفسه), which literally translates to “killing oneself.”
Etymology
The term is derived from:
- Qatlu (قتل) meaning “killing”
- Nafsi-hi (نَفْسِهِ) meaning “his self” or " oneself"
Islamic Perspective
Qur’anic References
Suicide is not directly mentioned in the Qur’an. However, the sanctity of life is emphasized, and preserving one’s life is a fundamental principle in Islamic teachings.
Hadith and Traditions
Suicide is forbidden in the sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (Hadith). According to al-Bukhari’s collection of Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said:
- “Whosoever shall kill himself shall suffer in the fire of hell” (al-Bukhārī, Arabic ed., p. 984)
- “shall be excluded from heaven forever” (al-Bukhārī, Arabic ed., p. 182)
It is also reported that Prophet Muhammad refused to perform the funeral rites for a person who committed suicide (Abū Dāʾūd, Arabic ed., vol. ii. p. 98).
Funeral Rites
While traditional practices might forbid funeral prayers for those who commit suicide, in many Muslim communities today, the funeral service is commonly performed, reflecting a balance between strict adherence to traditions and contemporary compassion.
Cultural Practices
Despite the clear prohibitions in Hadith, cultural practices vary widely among Muslim communities. Many still perform funeral prayers for suicides, reflecting an understanding of human tragedy and divine mercy.
Books for Further Studies
For those interested in diving deeper into the subject, the following books provide comprehensive studies:
- “The Qur’an and Suicide” by Abdulaziz Sachedina
- “Suicide and Islamic Philosophy” by Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
- “Islamic Ethics of Life: Abortion, War, and Euthanasia” by Jonathan E. Brockopp
Takeaways
- Suicide is forbidden in Islam, with clear prohibitions in the Hadith literature.
- The Qur’an emphasizes the sanctity of life, indirectly discouraging the act of taking one’s own life.
- Cultural practices vary, and while some communities adhere strictly to traditional prohibitions, others opt for a compassionate approach.
Conclusion
In Islam, suicide is strictly prohibited, and the teachings emphasize the value and sanctity of life. While traditional Hadith sources provide clear injunctions against it, contemporary Muslim practices may vary in response to the complexities of human experience. It is essential to approach the topic with a blend of theological understanding and compassion for individuals facing such dire circumstances.
