Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “He who throws himself from a mountain and kills himself will be thrown down in the fire of jahannam and remain in it for ever and ever; he who sips poison and kills himself will have his poison in his hand and sip it for ever and ever in the fire of jahannam; and he who kills himself with a piece of iron will have his piece of iron in his hand and will be stabbed with it in his belly in the fire of jahannam for ever and ever.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Prohibition of Suicide in Islamic Law
This narration from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes the absolute prohibition of suicide in Islam. The Messenger of God explicitly mentions three methods of self-destruction: throwing oneself from a height, consuming poison, and stabbing oneself with iron. Each method corresponds to a specific punishment in the Hereafter, indicating the severity of this sin.
Scholarly Commentary on the Punishment
The scholars explain that the punishment mentioned in this hadith serves as a severe warning against violating God's sanctity of human life. The repetition of "for ever and ever" emphasizes the gravity of this transgression. The correspondence between the method of suicide and the eternal punishment demonstrates divine justice - each soul will face the consequences of its chosen means of self-destruction.
Classical commentators note that this punishment applies to those who commit suicide while being fully aware of its prohibition and without legitimate excuse according to Islamic law. The eternal nature of the punishment underscores that taking one's own life is among the gravest sins, as it represents a rejection of God's divine decree and trust.
Legal and Theological Implications
Islamic jurists derive from this hadith that suicide invalidates the testament of the deceased and may affect funeral rites. Theologically, this narration reminds believers that life is a sacred trust from God that no human has the right to terminate prematurely. The preservation of life is among the primary objectives of Islamic law (maqasid al-shariah).
Scholars emphasize that while the punishment is severe, God's mercy encompasses all things. Those suffering from mental illness or diminished capacity may not fall under the full ruling. The community is encouraged to provide support and compassion to those struggling with suicidal thoughts, while maintaining the clear prohibition of the act itself.