Muslim

Hadith Commentary:
Vocabulary of the Hadith:
Mushāqis:
Singular.
Mushqas:
Broad arrows.

Benefits and Issues:
The position of Umar bin Abdul Aziz and Imam Awza’i rahimahullah is that the funeral prayer (salat al-janazah) should not be performed for the one who kills himself. However, according to Imam Hasan rahimahullah, Qatadah rahimahullah, Nakha’i rahimahullah, Malik rahimahullah, Abu Hanifah rahimahullah, Shafi’i rahimahullah, and the majority of scholars, the funeral prayer should be performed for a Muslim who commits suicide. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam did not perform the funeral prayer as a reprimand and admonition to deter from this act and behavior, as is mentioned in the narration of Nasa’i:
(“Ana la usalli”)
“I do not perform the funeral prayer.”

However, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam did not prevent the noble Companions radi Allahu anhum ajma’in from performing the funeral prayer. Therefore, it is understood that for a respected and prominent person, whose absence from the prayer would have an impact on people, he should refrain from performing the prayer, while ordinary Muslims should perform the funeral prayer.

One statement of Imam Malik rahimahullah is also this, and another statement of Imam Malik rahimahullah is that the one who kills himself does not get the opportunity to repent. Therefore, due to his not having the opportunity (for repentance), the funeral prayer should not be performed for him. This means that if he is given some life in which he is able to repent, then there is nothing preventing the funeral prayer from being performed for him.

1966. Commentary: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) did not perform the funeral prayer (janazah) himself, but he did not prevent others from doing so, meaning that others performed it. People of high status should not perform it. It should not be given special attention. A few people should perform the funeral prayer and then bury (the deceased). The burial should not take place without the funeral prayer, because suicide is a major sin (kabirah), not disbelief (kufr).

Benefits and Issues:
Suicide is, as it were, an expression of displeasure with Allah’s decree.
Therefore, Imam A'zam (rahimahullah) and other reliable personalities did not perform his funeral prayer,
so that it may serve as a lesson for others, while ordinary Muslims may perform it.

Benefits and Issues:

➊ Suicide is a major sin (kabirah).

➋ If respected and learned people abstain from leading the funeral prayer (janazah) of one who has committed a major sin, it will serve as a lesson for others, and they will strive to avoid this sin. However, the general public should perform the funeral prayer for such a person. He should not be buried without the funeral prayer.

➌ On such occasions, the imam should assess the situation and make a decision accordingly. If by refusing (to lead the prayer), there is a risk of undesirable consequences or if the harm outweighs the benefit, then he should not refuse to lead the funeral prayer. On another occasion, appropriate advice should be given.

Lexical Explanation:
«اُتِيَ» is in the passive form and its meaning is "was brought."
In «بِمَشَاقِصَ» «مِشْقَصٌ», the "meem" has a kasrah underneath it. It means a broad spear.
«فَلَمٰ يُصلَّ عَلَيْهِ» He did not perform the funeral prayer (salat al-janazah) over him. As a punishment, he himself did not perform the funeral prayer. And the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam did this to instill fear and warn those who might commit a similar act.

Benefit:
There is a difference of opinion regarding performing the funeral prayer (salat al-janazah) for one who commits suicide. One opinion is that his funeral prayer should not be performed at all, and another opinion is that the dignitaries, virtuous, and respected personalities of the community should not perform his funeral prayer, but ordinary people may do so. Because it is mentioned in Sunan al-Nasa'i that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "I will not perform the funeral prayer over him." [سنن النسائي ، الجنائز ، باب ترك الصلاة على من قتل نفسه ، حديث : 1966]
This is an indication that the noble Companions radi Allahu anhum did perform the funeral prayer, just as in the beginning the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam would not perform the funeral prayer for someone in debt, but would instruct the Companions to perform it. And the second position appears to be the stronger one. And Allah knows best.