Most-asked question

What is the Islamic ruling on suicide?

81 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (Mufti Online, AskImam, Jamiat KZN, Ibn Masood, Azaadville, DU Newcastle). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“Suicide is gaining ground amongst the masses. In fact, stats show that suicide is the third leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 24. Why are the youth suicidal? What makes them entertain suicidal thoughts? In most cases, suicide is a result of one not being able to fulfil his impermissible desires and caprice.”

Jamiat KZN — I feel extremely depressed and suicidal, please help? · 3 Jun 2026

“Committing suicide is haraam in Islam. It will not save one from the difficulty and hardship one is experiencing, instead it will only increase one's agony and pain. The one who gives up hope in life and takes his life by committing suicide is in actual fact jumping from the frying pan into the fire.”

Mufti Online — Committing suicide to bring an end to one's hardships · 11 Jan 2026

“By committing suicide, one has perpetrated a major sin and is worthy of punishment. However, we cannot say that the suicider will never be forgiven. If he left the world upon Imaan, then after enduring punishment he will eventually be forgiven.”

Ibn Masood — Making Dua of forgiveness for one who has committed suicide · 7 Feb 2023

“Suicide is a major sin. The laws of Janazah applicable to every normal Muslim mayyit will apply to a Muslim who commits suicide. He/She will be bathed, shrouded, buried in a Muslim cemetery and Janazah Salaah will be prayed over him/her.”

AskImam — How should a Muslim who committed suicide be buried? · 17 Jan 2020

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Committing suicide as an expiation for Zina Jamiat KZN · 13 Jul 2026
  2. Dua For Protection From Suicide Azaadville · 30 May 2026
  3. Committing suicide to bring an end to one's hardships Mufti Online · 11 Jan 2026
  4. Suicide in the month of Ramadaan Ibn Masood · 6 Apr 2023
  5. I am asking for permission to committ suicide AskImam · 4 Sep 2022
  6. Should the Janaazah salaah be performed for a person who commits suicide? DU Newcastle · 26 Jan 2016
  7. I feel extremely depressed and suicidal, please help? Jamiat KZN · 3 Jun 2026
  8. Suicidal thoughts Mufti Online · 19 Sep 2024
  9. Making Dua of forgiveness for one who has committed suicide Ibn Masood · 7 Feb 2023
  10. I fear I did not do good Tarbiyyah of my child and he committed suicide AskImam · 11 Nov 2021
  11. Janazah for Person who commits suicide Jamiat KZN · 13 May 2016
  12. Taqdeer of a person who committed suicide Mufti Online · 10 Jul 2024
  13. Why is suicide a sin? AskImam · 14 Jul 2020
  14. Punishment for Suicide Jamiat KZN · 23 May 2011
  15. How should a Muslim who committed suicide be buried? AskImam · 17 Jan 2020

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