Fatwa by: Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (رحمہ اللہ)
Question:
I am facing such difficulties in life that I have developed a deep hatred for it. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I plead before Allah to end my life immediately. Even now, my desire is the same because I see no solution to my problems except death. My question is, is it forbidden for me to wish for death in such desperate circumstances?
Answer:
Wishing for death in the face of adversity is an act that the Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) has forbidden. The Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said:
"None of you should wish for death because of a calamity that has befallen him. If he feels compelled to do so, then he should say: 'O Allah! Keep me alive as long as life is better for me, and cause me to die when death is better for me.'"
(Narrated by Bukhari, Chapter on Wishing for Death for the Sick)
Therefore, it is not permissible for anyone to wish for death due to hardship, distress, or difficulty. Such a person should exercise patience, seek reward from Allah, and maintain hope in the improvement of their situation. This is because the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) also said:
"Know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship."
(Narrated by Ahmad)
Every afflicted person should believe that trials and tribulations serve as atonement for their past sins. Whenever a believer faces worry, sorrow, distress, or any form of hardship, Allah makes it an expiation for their sins. Through patience and accountability, a person attains the high status mentioned in the words of Allah:
"And give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Who, when afflicted with calamity, say, 'Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'"
(Al-Baqarah 2:155)
For a woman who considers death as the solution to all her problems, I believe this is a mistaken notion because death does not solve difficulties and afflictions. In fact, the person who dies without having repented and continued to wrong themselves throughout their life will hasten to face the punishment of the Hereafter. Conversely, if they remain alive, repent, seek forgiveness from Allah, show patience, steadfastness, and endure hardships while awaiting relief, there is immense good in it for them.
Therefore, respected sister, hold firmly to patience, demonstrate steadfastness, and await relief from the Lord of Glory. Allah says:
"For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease."
(Al-Sharh 94:5)
The Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) also said:
"Know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship."
(Narrated by Ahmad)
Question:
I am facing such difficulties in life that I have developed a deep hatred for it. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I plead before Allah to end my life immediately. Even now, my desire is the same because I see no solution to my problems except death. My question is, is it forbidden for me to wish for death in such desperate circumstances?
Answer:
Wishing for death in the face of adversity is an act that the Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) has forbidden. The Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said:
"None of you should wish for death because of a calamity that has befallen him. If he feels compelled to do so, then he should say: 'O Allah! Keep me alive as long as life is better for me, and cause me to die when death is better for me.'"
(Narrated by Bukhari, Chapter on Wishing for Death for the Sick)
Therefore, it is not permissible for anyone to wish for death due to hardship, distress, or difficulty. Such a person should exercise patience, seek reward from Allah, and maintain hope in the improvement of their situation. This is because the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) also said:
"Know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship."
(Narrated by Ahmad)
Every afflicted person should believe that trials and tribulations serve as atonement for their past sins. Whenever a believer faces worry, sorrow, distress, or any form of hardship, Allah makes it an expiation for their sins. Through patience and accountability, a person attains the high status mentioned in the words of Allah:
"And give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Who, when afflicted with calamity, say, 'Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'"
(Al-Baqarah 2:155)
For a woman who considers death as the solution to all her problems, I believe this is a mistaken notion because death does not solve difficulties and afflictions. In fact, the person who dies without having repented and continued to wrong themselves throughout their life will hasten to face the punishment of the Hereafter. Conversely, if they remain alive, repent, seek forgiveness from Allah, show patience, steadfastness, and endure hardships while awaiting relief, there is immense good in it for them.
Therefore, respected sister, hold firmly to patience, demonstrate steadfastness, and await relief from the Lord of Glory. Allah says:
"For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease."
(Al-Sharh 94:5)
The Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) also said:
"Know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship."
(Narrated by Ahmad)