Book: Pathways to Hope: Islamic Perspectives on Suicidology
Authors: Dr. Muhammad Rizwan, Dr. Ayesha Alvi
Publisher: White Dot Publishers, New Delhi
Published: 2024
Price: Rs.180
Reviewed by: Dr. Mujtaba Farooq (New Delhi)
Recent years have seen a sharp increase in suicide rates, making it a pressing problem today. This issue is addressed and various facets of suicide are thoroughly examined in the book Pathways to Hope: Islamic Perspectives on Suicidology. It carefully and clearly looks at the psychological, socioeconomic, and other causes and factors. The book invites readers and thinkers to consider this, a significant subject. In addition to providing the Quran’s perspective on suicide, it also addresses prevention and remedies in light of sociopsychological and financial considerations. The writers, Dr. Muhammad Rizwan and Dr. Ayesha Alvi, give a holistic viewpoint by fusing scientific findings on suicide with the Quranic perspective because they have a scientific background and a solid comprehension of Islam.
The book has 10 chapters. The first chapter, Understanding Suicide in Contemporary Context, gives an overview of suicide globally and in the Indian context. The authors discuss various terms and types related to suicide. On the basis of available data, they also clarify how the trend of suicide is rapidly increasing in India.
The second chapter, Common Risk Factors Associated with Youth Suicide in India, examines the social, economic, mental, cultural, and psychological factors responsible for suicides among youth in India.
The third chapter looks at suicide from a psychological and neurobiological perspective, explaining how suicidal thoughts develop over multiple stages, which is not often discussed in other books.
The fourth chapter, Islamic Teachings on the Sanctity of Life in the Context of Suicide Ideation, explains the Islamic view of life, emphasising that life is a trust given to humans, who are not creators but creatures. It also discusses the concepts of life and death, trials, and the prohibition of suicide in Islam.
The fifth chapter, Invoking Quranic Discourse on Suicide: The Textual Paradigm, focuses the Quranic perspective about suicide and suicidal thoughts. The authors explain that the Quran offers clear and wise guidance on suicide, uniquely shaping the individual’s mindset.
In the next chapter, the authors explained how qualities like patience (Sabr), piety (Taqwa), gratitude (Shukr), prayer (Dua), and remembrance (Zikr) groom an individual’s personality.
The seventh chapter shows how the Zakat system, mosques, and other institutions can help prevent suicide. Zakat offers hope to those in despair, encouraging them to live, while mosques provide a peaceful place for those struggling with mental health issues.
The eighth chapter, Family As an Institution for Preventing Suicide Ideation, argues that families play a key role in protecting individuals from suicidal thoughts. A supportive family filled with love, faith, mercy, and empathy can guide a person towards hope. However, a family lacking these qualities can negatively affect an individual’s well-being.
The ninth chapter focuses modern challenges, especially the impact of social media on mental health and how it can lead to suicidal thoughts. It highlights that young people often struggle with finding the right goals and identity.
The tenth and final chapter, Developing Suicide Prevention Programmes, stresses the importance of taking action to prevent suicide. It suggests involving religious leaders, teachers, and counsellors in promoting mental and emotional well-being. The authors also offer practical methods for carrying out these efforts. The book addresses a critical issue by understanding the rise in suicides and offering solutions based on the Quran.
Although the book makes extensive use of the Quran’s logic, it pays less attention to the Hadith and Seerah’s advice regarding suicide. This book provides insightful information on a novel subject and this is highly recommended for students, teachers, community leaders, youngsters and researchers because suicide is becoming a burning issue in contemporary world.