Stop Suicide-Don't kill yourselves

"And do not kill yourselves. Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you". (Surah An-Nisa Verse 29) 

Suicide (Latin suicidium, from sui caedere, "to kill oneself") is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair, the cause of which is attributed to a mental disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse. Stress factors such as financial difficulties or troubles with interpersonal relationships often play a significant role.

Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) mentioned suicide many times, a few of these incidents are recorded in Muhammad Ibn Ismael's, 'Sahih Al-Bukhari'. In one incident narrated by Thabit bin Ad-Dahhak (RA): the Prophet (SAW) said, "Whoever intentionally swears falsely by a religion other than Islam, then he is what he has said, (e.g. if he says, 'If such thing is not true then I am a Jew,' he is really a Jew if he is a liar). And whoever commits suicide with a piece of iron, he will be punished with the same piece of iron in the Hell-fire."
Narrated by Jundub: The Prophet (SAW) said, "A man was inflicted with wounds and he commited suicide, and so Allah said: My slave has caused death on himself hurriedly, so I forbid Paradise for him."
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA): The Prophet (SAW) 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, he shall keep stabbing himself in the Hell-fire (forever)."
From the sayings of Allah and his Prophet (SAW), we can see suicide is not accepted in Islam and we can also see through other sources, it is also prohibited in other religions.

suicide is strictly forbidden, because it is an affront to God. It is like a person saying to God: “You have given me life and I am taking it away.” This is what is meant by the sacred Hadith in which God is quoted as saying of the one who commits suicide: “My servant has precipitated My will with regard to himself! Therefore, I am forbidding him entry into heaven.” But this Hadith applies to a person in full control of his faculties, suffering no overpowering adversity and having a reasonable life. If such a person commits suicide, then may be God will not allow him in heaven.

Over one million people die by suicide every year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that it is the 13th leading cause of death worldwide and the National Safety Council rates it sixth in the United States. It is a leading cause of death among teenagers and adults under 35.The rate of suicide is far higher in men than in women, with males worldwide three to four times more likely to kill themselves than females.There are an estimated 10 to 20 million non-fatal attempted suicides every year worldwide.

The reasons that lead a person to commit suicide are as numerous and complex as the thousands of people who do so every year. Below are a few contributing causes of suicide: 

1. Unipolar affective disorder (Depression) 
2. Isolation and detachment 
3. Substance misuse (Drugs and alcohol) 
4. Loss of family or friends 
5. Relationship break-ups 
6. Financial problems 
7. Sickness and disability 

HOW WOULD I KNOW IF SOMEONE IS THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE?
If one or more of these signs of depression persist, help should be sought;

• Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
• Decreased interest in activities; or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
• Hopelessness
• Persistent boredom; low energy
• Social isolation, poor communication
• Low self esteem and guilt
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
• Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
• Difficulty with relationships
• Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches
• Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
• Poor concentration
• A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
• Talk of or efforts to run away from home
• Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behavior

If you notice these signs and symptoms or an adolescent makes statements about harming him or herself, committing suicide or not wanting to live always take the statement seriously and immediately seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. People often feel uncomfortable asking the question, “are you thinking about hurting yourself” or “are you suicidal” but it is absolutely necessary. These questions will actually provide assurance that somebody cares and will give the young person the chance to talk about the problems.

If one is thinking of committing suicide he should think about his friends and family, then he should turn to Allah and ask for his help. 

May Allah save us from this sin and give us all guidance to the straight path. May Allah save us from all types of grief and give us all entrance into Paradise.