Despite severe poverty and widespread conflict, suicide rates reportedly low in some Islamic countries

New Delhi – Countries such as Greenland, South Korea, Sweden, and Japan report relatively high suicide rates. In contrast, countries such as Pakistan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine are described as having comparatively low reported suicide rates.

1. In Palestine, the suicide rate is reported to be very low. Despite facing poverty and conflict with Israel, the rate in 2021 was about 0.78 per 1,00,000 people.

2. Syria is dealing with issues such as civil war and political instability. Here, the suicide rate is reported to be around 0.89 per 1,00,000.

3. Lebanon is also experiencing severe poverty and conflict. Even so, its suicide rate is about 0.94 per 1,00,000.

4. Pakistan also faces significant poverty and rising inflation; however, it is reported to have a relatively low suicide rate.

5. In Afghanistan, people are dealing with poverty and malnutrition. The country has long been affected by conflict, inflation, and unemployment, yet the suicide rate is reported to be relatively low.

Suicide is considered ‘haram’ in Islam!

In many Islamic societies, suicide is considered “haram” (forbidden according to Islamic teachings). Thus, there are relatively low reported suicide rates in such countries. In contrast, some high-income and developed countries—such as Sweden, Belgium, and Greenland—have higher suicide rates, with one of the factors being the legal acceptance of assisted dying in some places.

High number of suicides in India

According to official data published by the National Crime Records Bureau for 2023, India recorded a suicide rate of 12.3 per 1,00,000 population. In 2023, a total of 1,71,418 people died by suicide in India, marking an approximate increase of 0.29% compared to 1,70,924 cases in 2022.

Major causes of suicide in India

1. Family-related issues – approximately 33% of cases

2. Illness (physical or mental) – over 18%

3. Marriage-related issues – about 5%

4. Substance abuse – over 6%

5. Economic distress (debt/poverty) – about 4% to 7%

6. Student suicides – approximately 8%

Individuals aged 18 to 45 account for about 66% of total suicides in India, which is a matter of concern.

Editorial Perspective

• Because Islam teaches that suicide is forbidden, Muslims follow this principle; whereas, although Hinduism also regards suicide as a sin, some Hindus still commit suicide due to lack of education on Dharma.
• Even though suicide is considered wrong in Islam, jihadi terrorists carry out suicide attacks by strapping explosives to their bodies and killing themselves along with others.