Fed Up with Life and Wishing for Death

[ummtaalib]

Q. I feel like I want to die because nothing is going right in my life, and I’m worried that the longer I live, the more sins I might commit. I have a strong desire to die. Is it haram to feel this way? 

 

(Question published as received)

 

A. Life is a precious gift from Allah Ta‘ala. It is a person’s primary capital through which he can do good deeds to please Allah Ta‘ala and earn Jannah. Once life ends, the chance to increase our good deeds is gone forever.

 

Feeling overwhelmed by hardship is natural, but a believer should never lose hope in Allah’s mercy. Every difficulty faced with patience, obedience, and trust in Allah becomes a source of immense reward in the Hereafter.

 

Rasulullah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “None of you should wish for death because of hardship. If he must do so, let him say: 

 

اللَّهُمَّ أَحْيِنِي مَا كَانَتِ الْحَيَاةُ خَيْرًا لِيْ، وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا كَانَتِ الْوَفَاةُ خَيْرًا لِيْ

 

Allahumma ahyinee maa kaanatil hayaatu khayral lee, wa tawaffanee izaa kaanatil wafaatu khayral lee

 

“O Allah, keep me alive so long as life is better for me, and cause me to die when death is better for me.” [Sahih Bukhari]

 

The Fuqaha have explained that is not allowed to wish for death just because of life’s challenges and difficulties. However, if a person fears falling into sin or longs to meet Allah out of sincere love, such a desire is permissible. [Raddul Muhtaar 6/419]

 

Death will come at its appointed time. If you are overwhelmed by the desire to die, read the above-mentioned Dua.

 

Surround yourself with pious and sincere people whose presence inspires you to get closer to Allah and strive for His pleasure.

 

Be punctual with Salaah, recitation of the Quraan, Zikr and sending salutations on Rasulullah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. This will be a means of inner peace and contentment Insha’Allah.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

 

Mufti Muhammed Hamza Farooqui

Mufti Taahir Hansa

 

(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) 

 

 

Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) 
Council of Muslim Theologians