Suicide: What It Is, Signs, Risk Factors & Prevention

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A Historical Glimpse: Suicide Through the Ages

Suicide is not a new phenomenon; it has existed throughout human history, with attitudes toward it evolving over time. In ancient Greece and Rome, suicide was sometimes seen as an honourable escape from dishonour or suffering. Philosophers like Socrates chose death over injustice. However, later societies, especially under Christian influence, condemned suicide as a sin and a crime, often punishing the deceased’s family. This stigma persisted for centuries, contributing to silence and misunderstanding.

Today, suicide is recognized as a critical public health issue, with efforts focused on prevention, mental health support, and reducing stigma. Yet, the emotional pain that drives people to this extreme remains a universal human struggle.

Recognizing the Warning Signs: When Someone Is at the Breaking Point

Suicide rarely comes without warning. People contemplating it often display signs that reflect their inner turmoil:

• Verbal cues: Talking about death, dying, or feeling hopeless.

• Behavioural changes: Withdrawing from social life, giving away possessions, or sudden mood swings.

• Emotional signals: Intense sadness, anxiety, or irritability.

• Risk-taking: Engaging in reckless behaviour or substance abuse.

• Sleep and appetite changes: Insomnia or oversleeping, loss of appetite or overeating.

• Saying goodbye: Unusual farewells or seeking forgiveness.

Recognizing these signs is crucial. Asking directly about suicidal thoughts can be lifesaving—it shows care and opens the door to support.

Why Do People Feel Trapped Before Suicide?

The feeling of being trapped is central to suicidal thinking. It’s not just about physical circumstances but a psychological state where the mind narrows to a single, tragic solution.

People feel trapped due to:

• Hopelessness: Believing nothing will ever improve.

• Helplessness: Feeling powerless to change their situation.

• Overwhelming emotional pain: Such as despair, loneliness, or guilt.

• Isolation: Feeling disconnected from others.

• Burdensomeness: Believing they are a burden to loved ones.

This mental “tunnel vision” blocks the ability to see alternatives or hope. The pain feels unbearable, and escape seems impossible.

The Emotional Pain Behind Suicide Thoughts

Emotional pain before suicide is often described as psychache—deep psychological suffering that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. Key emotional states include:

• Despair and hopelessness: The belief that life will never get better.

• Loneliness and isolation: Feeling unseen and unheard.

• Guilt and shame: Feeling worthless or like a burden.

• Fear and numbness: Either overwhelming anxiety or emotional shutdown.

• Psychological defeat: Feeling humiliated or failed beyond repair.

Most people who contemplate suicide don’t want to die; they want the pain to end. Suicide becomes a desperate attempt to find relief when no other options seem visible.

What Causes a Human Being to Take Such an Extreme Step?

Suicide is rarely caused by a single factor. It’s usually the result of multiple overlapping issues:

• Mental health disorders: Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD.

• Trauma and abuse: Past or ongoing experiences of violence.

• Loss and grief: Death of loved ones, relationship breakdowns.

• Financial or legal problems: Debt, unemployment, or incarceration.

• Chronic illness or pain: Physical suffering that erodes hope.

• Social factors: Bullying, discrimination, or social isolation.

Understanding these causes helps us approach suicide with empathy rather than judgment.

What Do Religions Teach About the Sanctity of Life?

Most major religions emphasize that life is sacred—a divine gift not to be taken lightly.

Islam

Islam regards all life as sacred but places humans above other creatures. The unlawful killing of a person is equated with killing all humanity, emphasising the gravity of taking a life. While the Qur’an does not explicitly mention abortion, Islamic teachings allow abortion only under limited conditions, such as to save the mother’s life or before the fetus is ensouled (traditionally believed to occur at 120 days). Suicide is forbidden, as life is considered a trust from God, and only He determines its end.

Judaism

Judaism upholds the sanctity of life through the principle of pikuach nefesh, which prioritises saving human life above almost all other commandments. While abortion is generally prohibited, exceptions exist to save the mother’s life, reflecting a nuanced approach that balances the fetus’s status with the mother’s well-being. Suicide is traditionally condemned, but Jewish law emphasises compassion and the preservation of life.

Buddhism

Buddhism teaches a deep respect for all life and generally opposes suicide and euthanasia, as taking life—including one’s own—is seen as morally wrong. However, Buddhism also recognises that life need not be preserved at all costs; refusing extraordinary or futile treatment is acceptable if there is no intention to cause death. The focus is on intention and compassion rather than rigid rules.

Summary Table

Understanding these teachings can help foster respectful dialogue and support for those grappling with life’s hardest questions.

Islam’s Profound Emphasis on Life’s Sanctity

Islam teaches that life is a sacred trust from Allah, and only He has the authority to give and take it. The Qur’an states:

“Whoever kills a person [unjustly]—it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved all mankind.” (Qur’an 5:32)

Islam places profound emphasis on the sanctity of human life, considering it a sacred trust from God that must not be taken unjustly. Several verses from the Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) clearly affirm this principle.

Key Qur’anic Verses Emphasising the Sanctity of Life

• Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32):

  “Whoever kills a person [unjustly]—it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved all mankind.”
  This verse powerfully equates the wrongful taking of a single life to killing all humanity, underscoring the immense value Islam places on every human life.

•  Surah Al-An’am 96:151):

  “Do not take any human being’s life—which God has made sacred—except by way of justice.”
  This injunction forbids unjust killing, highlighting that life is inviolable except in cases sanctioned by divine justice.

•  Surah AL-Isra 17:33)

  “And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right.”
  This verse reiterates that life is sacred and can only be ended lawfully and justly.

• Surah AL-Isra :70):
  

  “We have honoured the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of Our creation.”
  This verse affirms the dignity and special status God has given to humans, which forms the basis of life’s sanctity.

Relevant Ahadees (Sayings of Prophet Muhammad رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم

• The Prophet Muhammad رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم emphasized the gravity of unjust killing:

  “The most grievous sins are to join partners with Allah, to kill a soul which Allah has forbidden except by right…”
  (Sahih al-Bukhari)

• Regarding conduct in war, the Prophet Muhammad رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم forbade killing non-combatants such as women, children, monks, and those engaged in worship, reflecting respect for innocent life even in conflict.

Summary

Islam teaches that human life is sacred and inviolable, bestowed with dignity by God. The unlawful taking of life is one of the gravest sins, equated with killing all humanity. Justice is the only legitimate reason for taking life, and even then, strict rules and compassion apply. These teachings form a moral foundation that protects life and demands respect for all human beings, regardless of faith or background.

This verse highlights the immense value of every human life, regardless of religion or background. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further emphasized the sanctity of life by condemning unjust killing and promoting compassion.

Islamic law (Shariah) places the protection of human life as one of its five fundamental objectives (maqasid al-sharia), ensuring that all rulings aim to preserve life, dignity, and well-being.

Why Is Protecting Innocent Lives a Core Islamic Principle?

Protecting innocent life is central in Islam because:

• Life is a divine trust; humans must safeguard it.

• Unjust killing is equated with killing all humanity (Qur’an 5:32).

• Islamic law emphasizes justice and mercy, forbidding murder but allowing forgiveness and reconciliation.

• The Prophet Muhammad رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم taught respect for all life, including non-combatants in war.

• Preservation of life is a primary goal of Shariah, underpinning all legal and ethical rulings.

How Does Islam Balance Justice and Mercy in Life Preservation?

Islamic teachings show that justice and mercy are not contradictory but complementary:

• Justice ensures fairness, accountability, and protection of life.

• Mercy tempers justice with forgiveness, compassion, and flexibility.

• Islamic law encourages forgiveness and acceptance of alternatives to retaliation, like diyya (blood money).

• Punishments are applied considering intent, circumstances, and potential for rehabilitation.

• The divine attributes of God as both Just (Al-Adl) and Merciful (Ar-Rahman) guide human conduct.

This balance fosters a legal and ethical system that protects life while promoting healing and social harmony.

The Role of Family, Friends, Doctors, and Society in Suicide Prevention

Suicide prevention is a collective responsibility:

• Family and friends: Offer presence, listen without judgment, ask directly about suicidal thoughts, and encourage professional help.

• Doctors and mental health professionals: Assess risk, provide treatment, and involve families with consent.

• Society: Break stigma, promote social connectedness, educate about mental health, and advocate for accessible care.

Even small acts of kindness and understanding can create lifelines for those in despair.

Personal Reflections: The Power of Listening

I once had a friend who masked his pain behind humour and charm. When he finally opened up, it wasn’t because I had perfect answers but because I listened without judgment. That conversation didn’t solve everything, but it gave him hope—a foothold to hold onto. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.

Conclusion: Life’s Fragile Gift and Our Shared Duty

Suicide is a heartbreaking reality born from deep pain and a sense of entrapment. Yet, life remains a precious gift, sacred in religious teachings and human ethics alike. Understanding the causes, recognizing the signs, and embracing compassion can help us save lives.

Islam, with its profound respect for life, teaches us to protect, cherish, and honour every soul. Justice and mercy walk hand in hand, guiding us to uphold life’s sanctity while offering forgiveness and hope.

If you or someone you know struggles with suicidal thoughts, reach out. There is help, there is hope, and your story is not over.

References

1. Protection of Human Life in Islamic Law, Kurdish Studies

2. Preservation of Life in Islam: Theory and Practice, AboutIslam.net

3. Islamic Teachings on Conservation and Protecting Nature, Singapore Sedekah

4. Islam: Basic Principles and Characteristics, IIUM

5. Protecting Human Life in Islam: Islamic Teachings on Peace, Justice, and Compassion, IslamOnline

6. The Doctrine of Sanctity of Life from the Islamic Perspective, IIUM Journal

7. Protection of Life in Islamic Law, IJBEL

8. The Right to Life in Islam: A God-given Gift?, Dar al-Ifta

9. Justice and Mercy in Islam, MuslimMatters.org

10. Quran 5:32, 6:151, 17:33; Hadith collections (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)