Suicide, Muslims, and Censorship

September, 2024

Sondos Al Sad

“These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.”

Najwa Zebian

For Muslims, September carries a unique weight. It is both Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and a reminder of the negative labels that threaten their lives daily. Suicide remains a taboo subject for many Muslims, in part due to a culture of self-censorship. American Muslims may struggle to reconcile the belief that suicide is a sin while also showing compassion to those who have been affected by it.

In many Muslim communities, suicide isn’t a taboo per se; it is a heavy burden.

The remembrance of Allah is often seen as a source of comfort and a way to ease hardships. Yet, Islamic spiritual practices are rarely acknowledged or accepted in modern psychological spheres. Research has consistently shown that religiosity can be a protective factor against mental illness, suicide, and burnout. [1] Despite this, Islamic-based interventions are often underrepresented in national suicide prevention initiatives. Muslims possess organic tools within the faith traditions, they are holistic, evidence-based, and proven to save lives. These tools should be celebrated and embraced, not alienated or ostracized.

It’s time for a shift in the conversation.

I’ve learned from my Muslim patients that their stories, struggles, and perspectives often go unheard in mainstream media and psychological research. These are some of those:

In Islam, sin and crime are often used interchangeably in scripture. Reflecting deeply, we may find that this connection is rooted in compassion and understanding human struggles—especially in our current digitalized and pragmatic age. Every crime, including the act of suicide, stems from a motive.

For many American Muslims, living in the relative comfort of the West, there is often confusion about why suicides occur. This may be due to the misconception that being a Muslim grants eternal immunity, rather than a continuous, lifelong journey of self-improvement and spiritual growth.

Living in a society that continuously demonizes our religious identity intensifies the struggle!

Current geopolitical realities, including wars and suffering in the Global South, have undeniably contributed to the rise of “political suicides.” [2] The Muslim community is deeply troubled by the stark contrast in society’s response to these acts. When individuals like Aaron Bushnell end their lives in protest, they are often criminalized or condemned, while suicides of those in seemingly “comfortable” conditions are met with compassion and understanding. This disparity reveals a troubling bias, treating one as a crime and the other as a tragedy. For Muslims, this double standard, perpetuated by politicians and the media, feels like a profound betrayal and misrepresentation.

All motives should be acknowledged and remedied.

Politicians and media outlets have been emotionally dishonest about their treatment of Muslims, evident in their foreign policies and failure to acknowledge the emotional toll this takes on Muslim communities.[3] Meanwhile, Muslim leaders have often failed to address the issues of mental illness, geopolitical affairs, and suicide openly and proactively.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a powerful call to action. It’s an opportunity to advocate for the inclusion of genuine Muslim perspectives in psychology, national data, and foreign policy, while also recognizing Islam’s valuable contributions to mental health and suicide prevention. [4]

Instead of placing the burden solely on individuals, particularly those from minority communities, we must address the root causes at the national and policy level to truly prevent the loss of life.

Explore some of the richness here and enjoy this read. Another resource I recommend for further learning is the Suicide Prevention: Community Action Guide by The Family and Youth Institute (thefyi.org).