If I’m Overwhelmed by Suicidal Thoughts and Feel Punished, Will Allah Forgive Me If I Can’t Bear It Any Longer?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
If I’m overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts and feel punished by Allah for my suffering, will He understand my pain and forgive me if I can’t bear it any longer?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah ease your pain, forgive your sins, and fill your heart with light and hope. Amin.
Allah Knows Your Pain
Please know that Allah understands your suffering deeper than anyone else ever could. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Allah is more merciful to His servant than a mother to her child.” [Bukhari]
Your Suffering Is Not Punishment
Feeling crushed by sadness or despair does not mean Allah is punishing you. Pain does not mean rejection; it can be a test, a purification, and sometimes, a hidden form of love. Allah says: “O believers! Seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is truly with those who are patient.” [Quran, 2:153]
Turning to Allah, Even in Brokenness
Even if you feel you can’t bear it any longer, He knows what you can endure and will hold you through it. The darkness you feel is not disbelief but a soul aching to return to its fitra (natural disposition). If you turn to Him even with brokenness, He counts it as faith.
Allah says, “Do you think you will be admitted into Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were afflicted with suffering and adversity and were so ˹violently˺ shaken that ˹even˺ the Messenger and the believers with him cried out, “When will Allah’s help come?” Indeed, Allah’s help is ˹always˺ near.” [Quran, 2:214]
Seek Help and Do Not Harm Yourself
If ever you feel that you might harm yourself, please seek help immediately, from family, friends, or professional counsellors who care. Islam honors life deeply; saving your life is an act beloved to Allah, and critically important to all of us here at SeekersGuidance.
You are not alone, and your feelings do not make you distant from Allah. He understands. He forgives. And He will never turn away anyone who reaches for Him, even with trembling hands and tears. Allah promises, “Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” [Quran, 94:6]
May Allah heal your heart, replace your pain with peace, and grant you strength until relief, as it surely will come.
And Allah knows best.
Resources
- Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention
- International Association for Suicide Prevention – IASP
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- Canadian Muslim Counseling
- Khalil Center
- Ruh Care
- ISNA Cares
- Solace – Islamic Mental Health Services
- ICNA Relief USA
- Muslim Association for Psychological Services
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
