The Death of Chatterton, 1856, by Henry Wallis (Tate Britain, London) |
One of the reasons why there is a verse in the Koran reminding people not to kill themselves is that throughout the ages, people did get depressed and killed themselves. Interestingly, this advice entirely lacking in either the Old and New Testament.
As we know, Christianity was established by the Roman Empire and Romans being told to commit suicide was not exactly unknown.
It is only Allah in His compassion who expressly and specifically told humanity not to murder themselves or each each other.
Someone who genuinely does not think life is worth living is not going to be persuaded by someone saying that it is. These matters are purely subjective. The person contemplating suicide would argue that no one else but himself understands how he feels and it is no one’s right to tell him what to do with his life. Suicide is the ultimate act of taking control, arguably.
Belief in God would entail belief that we are all the Slaves of God with no control over our own life and death. If we really did believe in God and the afterlife, we would not have the audacity to turn up having committed suicide knock knock knocking on heaven’s door expecting admission. If God exists and forbade suicide, it would be like turning up to a party to which one was not invited empty-handed. God in His infinite wisdom will have bouncers to deal with gatecrashers.
However, the reasons for suicide are quite banal to the objective bystander and usually consist of the following:
- love disappointed/betrayed
- loss of wealth leading to unbearable loss of status
- mental illness eg clinical depression
- revenge eg “Look what you made me do.”
- fear of a debilitating disease whose symptoms have not fully manifested
So how about a website that takes into account the feelings of those left behind? Why not be a considerate suicide and go to the trouble of writing out a suicide note as well as giving the contact details of your next of kin who can be informed as soon as possible if you did indeed go ahead and commit the suicide contemplated? Can’t say fairer than that, can we?
I am certain that the process of explaining oneself would have the therapeutic effect of preventing suicide after the suicide note has been drafted and spellchecked.
The option of discussing it with a range of philosophers, therapists, religious leaders and even the Samaritans through the website should also be given.
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