Q: I had a quick question I wanted to ask the imam, I am just a youth who is confused on this concept.
Suppose a friend of yours died and was non-Muslim, can I go to the funeral.
What if the person killed himself, what does Islam say about that.
I talk to my father about this, but also wanted to get a better understanding from you.

Ahmed Mohammed

ps, I have one more question to ask you but i believe it has deeper involvement in it. I will take one step at a time.
Salaam

Answer: Walaikumsalam,

I hope you are well. Your questions are usual.  Muslims living in Europe and America pose these types of questions due to the environment we are part of. We appreciate the question and we are thankful you have given us a chance to answer them for you.

• As a muslim you would not be allowed to attend the funeral. You many offer your condolences to the family by visiting the grieved or sending a letter/email so as to offer your condolences.
• If necessary, to show that muslims are not against persons of other faith, you may assist the children of the deceased (should they have any) by contributing to that which would be beneficial to them.  Ensure that your assistance makes your religion look good. All help should be within the parameters of religion.

As for suicide:

Islam demands that we protect the following: Our religion (faith and all that which is linked to it), our life, resources (wealth), human dignity, honor and intellect.

A person committing suicide in essence is taking away their own life, attempting to play Creator as well as additionally depriving themselves of the honorable position Allah has bestowed upon them. Our life belongs to Allah the Greatest. He (SWT) shall take a life when He so appoints for its taking. For us to do so is amongst the major sins, albeit one yet remains a Muslim.

Allah (SWT) states in the holy Quran:

• Oh you who believe, do not devour one another’s wealth unjustly except in trade by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves. Verity, Allah is to you all most Merciful.
• Imaam Bukari narrated that Jundab (RA) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) outlined: ‘A man was inflicted with wounds and he committed suicide, and so Allah (Subhanahu Wata’Ala) said: My slave has caused death upon himself hastily, so I forbid Paradise for him.’
• Sayidinah Abu Huraira (RA) mentions that the Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) stated: ‘Whoever purposely throws him(her)self from a mountain and kills him(her)self will remain in the (hell) fire falling down into it and abiding therein perpetually forever; and whoever drinks poison and kills himself with it, (s)he will be carrying his poison in his(her) hand and drinking it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever; and whoever kills (her)himself with an iron weapon, will be carrying that weapon in (her) his hand and stabbing his abdomen with it in the (Hell) Fire wherein (s)he will abide eternally forever.’

Persons seeking suicide as an option do so as a result of them lacking the ability to cope with matters that confront them. Our life is a test from Allah the Greatest. Regardless of the amount of wealth, social prestige, education, etc.  we attain, we would always be lacking in something or the other. To be effective Muslims, we must learn to deal with all situations in a rational manner. In order to attain a higher rank in the Sight of Allah, we must accept our condition and try to improve it by making better choices and always opting to do good deeds.  This is what gives us our true religious identity and spiritual strength.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.