In 2004, there were 5,906 suicides in adults aged 15 and over in the UK.  Most suicides were associated with an underlying mental health illness such as depression. Since Islam, is a way of life that aims to establish security and peace in society (contrary to what some politicians and the media would want people to believe), it has prescribed a remedy to this mental illness (i.e. depression). First and foremost would be to understand what the purpose of life is. According to the Noble Quran, the final revelation sent to you and me, the purpose of life and creation is to worship and love Allah (Almighty-God, in Arabic).  “I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me" [Quran 51:56].  Islam calls for a loving and direct relationship between the Creator and humankind with no intercessors and no intermediaries.

The question, however, arises why should we worship the Creator? The answer would simply be because: He is worthy of our veneration and worship and to Him belongs all ultimate perfection.  So we should acknowledge this perfection as well as the bounties bestowed upon us by Allah (may He be exalted) such as : our eyesight, hearing, sense of smell, sense of taste, heartbeat and much more, that we have received them as gifts. The Quran tells us : “Whoever goes right, then he goes right only for the benefit of his own self. And whoever goes astray, then he goes astray to his own loss. No one laden with burdens can bear another's burden. And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning).” [Quran 17:15]

Having saying this, I should emphasise that Islam is not a religion of monasticism or separation from the worldly life. On the other hand, it does not allow the uncontrolled indulgence of worldly pleasures and desires. It teaches us to nourish and satisfy our soul and spiritual needs as much as we need food and provision for our body. It is a complete social system which promotes a lifestyle based on moderation embracing both religious and mundane affairs, and considers them complementary to one another: neither aspect should prevail at the expense of the other. "But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of legal enjoyment in this world, and be kind as Allah has been good (kind) to you, and seek not mischief in the land." [Quran 28:77].

Allah speaks to us directly and says : "Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest! Those who believe and do right: Joy is for them, and bliss (their) journey's end.” [Quran 13:28-29].   Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “No person suffers any anxiety or grief, and says: ‘O Allah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your female slave, my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every Name belonging to You which You named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You make the Quran the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety’ - but Allah will take away his sorrow and grief, and give him instead joy and pleasure” 

Therefore, in the full understanding of what the true purpose of life is, Islam stands firmly for the idea that fulfilling such purpose, and being in constant remembrance of our Lord, will definitely bring satisfaction and happiness in our lives.  

Abdullah Al-Qenaei - PhD researcher - University of Bath