Prohibition of Suicide in the Quran and Tradition, and Quranic Strategies for its Prevention
Subject Areas :
رضا عسگری
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Keywords: Religion Suicide Euthanasia Quran Tradition,
Abstract :
Suicide is a major problem that is associated with the history of mankind and various factors affect it in different domains. In Iran, along with the rapid changes in the lives of people and fading religious beliefs, this phenomenon is increasing; because, according to research conducted around the world, there is close relationship between lack of religious beliefs and suicide and that is why the rate of suicide is very low in Muslim countries. Based on the Islamic view, life is considered a trust from God to men and he has partial, not complete, ownership over his body and, therefore, cannot commit suicide end his life because it belongs to absolute owner (God). Moreover, no one else is permitted to end another person’s life even if he has a terminal illness. Thus, the aim of this study is to review the issue from the perspective of Islam, and introduce ways to improve life and prevent suicide. The findings of this library-based study showed that suicide in the Quran and the word of the Infallible Imams is a grave sin which leads to eternal torment. They also suggested that strengthening the religious beliefs and, especially promotion of the Quranic teachings on the sanctity of life, in addition to improving economic and sociological conditions can help to reduce the rate of suicide in society.
