FIGHTING DEMONS
Demons On Earth
Human beings were not the only beings the Lord Almighty created. Before the first man, Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), was brought to life, more angels existed than there are stars in the universe.
When the archangel Lucifer (Iblees) disobeyed the Lord and fell from His grace, he vowed to lead humanity toward destruction. Others followed him, becoming his minions and seeking to influence humankind toward evil, temptation, and self-destructive actions.
Demons and evil beings have always existed, but their influence seem more apparent and clear today. Society is increasingly being driven toward moral decay, while behaviors that reject God’s Commandments are often presented as acceptable, normal, or even desirable.
The prevalence of temptation and evil reflects the constant spiritual struggle between righteousness and sin. Nudity and sexual immorality are aggressively marketed, alcohol and drugs are readily available, and material wealth, greed, and excess are often treated as measures of success.
We are not alone in our struggle against sin. We are constantly confronted by influences that seek to lead us away from the righteous path. Demons and evil spirits slowly put temptation in our hearts and in our minds, making what is wrong appear appealing and what is sinful seem desirable.
Invisible to most of us, demons draw paths toward lust, drugs, greed, envy, and other forms of transgression, seeking to corrupt our hearts and minds, and ultimately our souls, affecting us in this life and the next.
Good and Evil exist.
Angels and Demons exist.
Consequences of our Choices exist.
Demons may influence us, tempt us, and encourage us toward sin, but the decision to act remains ours.
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We were given Free Will.
We have Freedom to Choose.
Ultimately, we will be held accountable for our deeds and requited according to our actions by the Lord Almighty.
Demons must go.
LUST
One of Seven Cardinal Sins
Sexual desire is a natural part of human existence. That desire began with Prophet Adam and Eve (peace be upon them) when God created human beings in pairs. Sexual desire has remained a natural part of humanity ever since.
Having sexual desire or experiencing attraction is not a sin. The sin manifests when a person deliberately cultivates unlawful lust or takes actions that lead toward fulfilling prohibited sexual desires. Monotheistic religions teach believers to control and appropriately direct their desires, with sexual intimacy taking place within lawful marital relationships.
The Torah, the Bible, and the Quran each establish boundaries intended to protect
chastity, marriage, family, and faithfulness to God.
One of the first Ten Commandments given to Prophet Moses (Musa) (peace be upon him) states:
“You shall not commit adultery.” - Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18
The Commandment was written in stone.
One of the strongest teachings concerning lust comes directly from the Messiah Jesus Christ (Isa) (peace be upon him):
“Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” - Matthew 5:28
Allah Commands in the Quran:
“Do not go near zina. It is truly a shameful deed and an evil way.” - Quran 17:32
Zina is the Arabic term for unlawful sexual intercourse.
The Sin of Lust
All human beings have desires, but there is an important distinction between attraction and lust. Recognizing that another person is attractive is not necessarily the same as deliberately fantasizing about that person or cultivating sexual desire toward someone with whom sexual relations would be unlawful.
The Holy Books warn against desire developing into lust, impurity, covetousness, or something that controls a person’s thoughts and actions.
The Bible records Messiah Jesus Christ (Isa) (peace be upon him) as saying:
“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.” - Matthew 5:29; Matthew 18:9.
The Quran similarly does not merely say, “Do not commit zina.” It says do not approach it. The principle is to avoid actions and situations that progressively lead toward sexual wrongdoing.
King James Version of the Bible describes a similar progression: a person is tempted when drawn away by his or her own desire, and desire, when embraced and allowed to develop, can give birth to sin.
“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” - James 1:14-15.
Desire can lead to temptation, but temptation still leaves a person with a choice about how to respond.
Free will is God’s greatest gift to humanity. People will be responsible for the choices they make in this life.
Seeking Purity
The Torah, the Bible, and the Quran establish boundaries concerning nakedness, clothing, gaze, chastity, and sexual conduct. Modesty is presented not simply as covering the body, but as an exercise in dignity, self-control, and obedience to God.
The Quran provides direct instructions concerning gaze, clothing, chastity, and public modesty.
Allah first commands men to:
“Lower their gaze and guard their chastity.” - Quran 24:30
In the following verse, Allah similarly commands women to lower their gaze, guard their chastity, and observe modesty in displaying their adornment.
Men and women are therefore both responsible for their own conduct: what they expose, what they intentionally seek to see, how they respond to attraction, and whether natural desire is directed toward lawful intimacy or allowed to develop into lust and sexual wrongdoing.
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Humanity After COVID
Temptation is everywhere, especially since COVID-19. Material that once required a person to deliberately seek it out can now appear instantly on a smartphone. Temptation is literally in the palm of our hands.
Sexualized imagery and nudity are common throughout entertainment, advertising, social media, and online content. The familiar expression “sex sells” reflects the extent to which sexuality is used to attract attention and market products.
Pornography is no longer confined to magazines, adult theaters, or specialty stores. Smartphones have made sexually explicit material accessible virtually anywhere and at almost any time. Online platforms have also made it easier for individuals to monetize sexually explicit or suggestive content right from their homes. What used to require studios for cameras, microphones and people to record videos can be done using our home devices.
Pornography has consequently become a major category of digital entertainment in the United States. In July 2026 alone, four of the largest adult websites - Pornhub, XVideos, XNXX, and xHamster - received an estimated 2.1 billion U.S. visits combined. OnlyFans, a creator platform widely associated with adult content, has reported hundreds of millions of fan accounts globally and billions of dollars in annual user spending.
In 2025, OnlyFans Content Creators generated approximately $7.2 billion in content revenue, of which $1.4 Billion went to OnlyFans as revenues. United States represents more than 60% of the platform’s users.
The New Testament frequently uses the Greek term porneia, commonly translated as “sexual immorality.” Although the Scriptures obviously do not mention smartphones, pornography websites, or social media, their underlying principles concerning lust, chastity, gaze, and sexual self-control remain valid.
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Fornication
The Torah places sexual relationships within a framework of marriage, family, faithfulness, and sexual boundaries. It explicitly prohibits adultery and numerous prohibited sexual relationships.
Leviticus reinforces this:
“You shall not lie sexually with your neighbor’s wife and so make yourself unclean with her.” - Leviticus 18:20
Christian teaching likewise places sexual intercourse within marriage and rejects adultery and sexual immorality outside that covenant.
Paul (the Apostle) (peace be upon him) wrote:
“Flee from sexual immorality.”
- 1 Corinthians 6:18
He also taught:
“This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Hebrews states:
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled.” - Hebrews 13:4
The Quran directly addresses unlawful sexual intercourse (zina) and commands believers to refrain from behaviors that could lead to it. The Quran also instructs both men and women to guard their chastity and establishes principles of modest dress and behavior.
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One God – Same Message:
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The Torah commands people not to covet another person’s spouse and prohibits adultery.
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The Gospel records Messiah Jesus Christ (Isa) (peace be upon him) taking the command inward by warning against deliberately cultivating lust within the heart.
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The Quran commands believers against committing zina and instructs both men and women to control what they look at and live with modesty.
Resisting Lust
The three religions do not demand the elimination of human sexuality. Instead, they establish boundaries around it through modesty, controlling the gaze, avoiding temptation, prayer, fasting, chastity, and marriage as the legitimate setting for sexual intimacy.
In today’s world, applying these principles can include avoiding pornography, sexually provocative material, social-media content that continually feeds lust, or situations that a person knows repeatedly trigger sexual temptation or other negative habits.
Prophet Joseph (Yousef) (peace be upon him) provides one of the clearest examples of resisting sexual temptation.
When Potiphar’s wife attempts to seduce him, Prophet Joseph (Yousef) (p.b.u.h.) refuses her advances because doing so would be a sin against God. When the temptation becomes more direct, he removes himself from the situation.
All three religions recognize marriage as the proper framework for sexual intimacy.
Marriage does not exist merely to satisfy sexual desire. It establishes commitment, companionship, family relationships, financial responsibilities, sexual obligations, faithfulness, and responsibilities toward another human being.
Marriage also does not eliminate the need for self-control. A married person may still experience attraction toward others. The religious obligation remains to control those desires and remain within the boundaries established by God.
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Importance of Marriage in Judaism
Marriage in Judaism provides a recognized framework for sexual relations, companionship, children, family obligations, inheritance, and fidelity.
The Torah contains several examples of plural marriages.
Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) (peace be upon him) was married to Sarah (peace be upon her) and also had a union with Hagar (peace be upon her), giving him two sons with different wives.
Prophet Jacob (Israel) (peace be upon him) married Leah and Rachel and also fathered children through Bilhah and Zilpah (Genesis 29–30).
Later Torah law regulates plural marriage rather than categorically prohibiting it.
Exodus 21:10 states that if a man takes another wife, he must not deprive the first of her food, clothing, or marital rights.
Deuteronomy 21:15–17 similarly discusses a man who has two wives and protects inheritance rights from favoritism.
Importance of Marriage in Christianity
The New Testament moves much more clearly toward monogamous marriage as the Christian norm.
Messiah Jesus Christ (Isa) (peace be upon him) is recorded in the Genesis:
“The two shall become one flesh.” - Matthew 19:5
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He continues:
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“So they are no longer two but one flesh.” - Matthew 19:6
Paul (the Apostle) (peace be upon him) explicitly connects marriage with sexual desire:
“Because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.” - 1 Corinthians 7:2
Paul (the Apostle) (peace be upon him) also addresses sexual intimacy within marriage and warns spouses not to deprive one another unnecessarily, except temporarily by mutual agreement for prayer:
“…so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” - 1 Corinthians 7:5
For those who struggle with remaining unmarried, Paul (the Apostle) (peace be upon him) states:
“If they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” - 1 Corinthians 7:9
Christianity therefore does not demand lifelong sexual suppression from everyone. Celibacy may be appropriate for some, while marriage provides a legitimate expression of sexuality for others.
Importance of Marriage in Islam
Islam places strong emphasis on marriage and marital responsibilities. Marriage is described beautifully in the Quran, which states Allah created spouses so that people may find tranquility in one another and placed affection and mercy between them.
“And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you compassion and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect.” – Quran 30:21
Marriage under Islamic teachings is therefore not presented merely as a sexual outlet. It establishes a recognized relationship involving companionship, rights, responsibilities, financial support, family structure, and lawful intimacy.
The Quran permits a man to marry up to four wives under specific conditions, while requiring justice toward them. The Quran also warns against treating wives unjustly or favoring one to the point that another is neglected.
Sexual relations outside marriage (zina) are prohibited. Marriage provides an established structure for lineage, family responsibilities, financial obligations, inheritance, and the rights of spouses and children.
Islam also encourages marriage as a protection for chastity. Quran 24:32 encourages marriage among unmarried people, while the following verse addresses those who cannot presently marry:
“…let them remain chaste until Allah enriches them out of His bounty.” - Quran 24:33
The believer therefore still has a responsibility to control desire when marriage is not presently possible.
Requirements of Marriage (Betrothal) in Judaism
Biblically, betrothal (erusin) was considerably more binding than today’s concept of engagement. A betrothed couple was legally committed even though they had not yet begun ordinary married life together.
Traditional Jewish marriage eventually developed two stages:
Kiddushin/Erusin: Kiddushin establishes the marital bond, traditionally through the groom giving the bride something of value—commonly a ring—in the presence of valid witnesses.
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Nissuin: Nissuin completes the marriage and is symbolized today by the chuppah.
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The ketubah specifies the husband’s obligations and provides financial protection for the wife.
Requirements of Marriage in Christianity
Christianity does not establish one universal wedding procedure in the New Testament.
The fundamental concept is the covenantal union described by Messiah Jesus (Isa) (peace be upon him):
“The two shall become one flesh.” - Matthew 19:5
Over time, different Christian traditions developed different requirements and ceremonies.
In Catholicism, marriage between baptized Christians is regarded as a sacrament. The couple give their consent to one another, normally before an authorized priest or deacon and witnesses.
Orthodox Christianity ordinarily requires the Church’s sacramental blessing through a priest.
Protestant traditions vary, but generally emphasize mutual consent, marital vows, witnesses, and recognition of the marriage before God and the community.
Requirements of Marriage (Nikah) in Islam
A Nikah, or marriage under Islamic law establishes a lawful marital relationship through a marriage contract. Islam requires the following to be met for a marriage to be lawful.
Mutual Consent (Ijab and Qabul): Both the bride and groom must willingly agree to the marriage without coercion. The couple establishes the marriage through an offer and acceptance.
Guardian (Wali): A Wali is ordinarily the bride’s father or another qualified male guardian, as part of the marriage process to help protect the rights of the bride.
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Bridal Gift (Mahr): The groom is required to provide the bride with a mahr—a financial gift, property, or other agreed-upon consideration. The mahr belongs to the bride herself.
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Witnesses: Two witnesses are required for the nikah and must sign the official document. An imam may conduct or oversee the ceremony, but is not mandatory.
Public Recognition: Islam strongly encourages marriage to be publicly recognized rather than treated as a concealed sexual relationship.
Financial and Marital Responsibility: Marriage establishes responsibilities between husband and wife. These include financial support, marital rights, family responsibilities, and the obligation to treat one’s spouse with fairness and dignity.
In a plural marriage, the Quran requires the husband to deal justly with his wives. A man cannot use plural marriage simply as an excuse for unrestricted sexual behavior; marriage brings additional responsibilities with every sexual relationship.
Freedom to Choose
Natural sexual desire is part of being human. The Torah, Bible, and Quran do not portray sexuality itself as inherently evil. The question is what we choose to do with our desires.
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We have the choice to resist temptation, redirect our thoughts, establish boundaries, remove ourselves from situations that encourage wrongdoing, control what we intentionally look at, remain chaste when necessary, and fulfill sexual desire within a lawful marriage.
Marriage itself does not eliminate temptation. These practices help believers exercise self-control.
The Torah commands people not to covet and prohibits adultery.
The Gospel warns against allowing desire to become deliberate lust within the heart.
The Quran commands believers to lower their gaze, guard their chastity, and not even approach unlawful sexual relations.
The common principle is not that human beings must cease experiencing desire. It is that desire should not become our master.
The three monotheistic religions teach believers to govern their desires rather than allowing their desires to govern them, and to direct one of humanity’s most powerful natural instincts toward love, commitment, responsibility, family, and faithfulness to God.
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Worshipping God is the best way to resist temptation and guard against lust.
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May God Forgive our transgressions and Guide us to the right path.
DEATH BY SUICIDE IN RELIGION
Judaism - Christianity - Islam
God reminds us that He does not burden any soul beyond its capacity to endure. When we seek His help sincerely, He provides Strength, Guidance, Comfort, and Hope in ways we may not immediately recognize. God never abandons a true believer or leaves them to face life’s struggles alone.
Suicide is prohibited in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam because human life, including our own, is sacred and belongs solely to God. Deliberately taking one’s own life is therefore regarded as murder because human beings are not allowed to kill anyone.
Death belongs to God.
But sins and despair do not place a person beyond God’s Mercy and Forgiveness, nor should death be deliberately hastened because life’s circumstances seem hopeless or irreversible. When a believer sincerely Repents for his or her actions, turns back to Him, and seeks His Guidance, Mercy, and Forgiveness, God eases the burdens of the person in this life.
All three Abrahamic Faiths teach compassion toward those struggling with depression, trauma, despair, addiction, mental illness, or overwhelming emotional suffering. Human beings cannot fully know another person’s state of mind, the burdens they carry, or the ultimate fate of their soul. Final Judgment belongs to God Alone, whose Knowledge, Justice, Mercy, and Compassion are perfect.
Faith has the Power to Heal the Soul:
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Believe in the One True God and His Messages.
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Worship Him Alone, privately and openly, and follow His Commands.
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Do good to others with humility, kindness, generosity, and compassion.
Even in our darkest moments, God can replace despair with hope, ease our burdens, and guide us toward a better path in this life and the Hereafter.
Never lose hope in the power of God Almighty, the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth. He can heal our Mind, Body, Heart and Soul.
DEATH BY SUICIDE IN JUDAISM:
One of the Ten Commandments that Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) received from God on Mount Sinai is:
“You shall not murder.” - Exodus 20:13
Jewish religion teaches that human life is sacred and belongs ultimately to God. Therefore, deliberately taking one’s own life is prohibited.
In the Hebrew texts of Genesis 9:5, Yahweh (Elohim) declares:
“For your lifeblood, I will require a reckoning.”
In Judaism, it is interpreted as affirming accountability for the taking of human life, including one’s own. Because life comes from God and is a Gift, deliberately ending one’s own life is considered the same as murder and is a major sin.
In Deuteronomy 30:19, God says:
“I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life.”
This passage expresses one of Judaism’s central principles concerning the obligation to value, protect, and preserve human life.
Judaism teaches that God’s commandments are given so that people may “live by them.”
The main principle in the Jewish religion is:
pikuach nefesh - the preservation or saving of human life.
In Judaism, saving a life takes precedence over nearly every other religious obligation. Traditionally, the principal exceptions are idolatry, murder, and certain prohibited sexual relations.
The Hebrew Scriptures record several individuals who took their own lives. Among them are King Saul, who fell upon his sword after being wounded in battle (1 Samuel 31:4); Saul’s armor-bearer, who followed his example (1 Samuel 31:5); Ahithophel, who hanged himself (2 Samuel 17:23); and Zimri, who died after setting the royal palace on fire around himself (1 Kings 16:18).
Although these deaths are recorded in Scripture, they are not presented as examples to follow or as endorsements of suicide. They are accounts of individuals who died under particular and often desperate circumstances. Their ultimate judgment belongs to HaShem (God) Alone, who knows every person’s circumstances and determines the fate of every soul.
Judaism also teaches that every human being is created in the image of God (tzelem Elohim). Human life and the body are gifts entrusted to us by God; therefore, a person does not have unrestricted authority to deliberately take his or her own life.
Although suicide is prohibited in Judaism, Jewish teaching does not give human beings the authority to declare with certainty the eternal destiny of someone who has died by suicide. Final judgment belongs to Yahweh (HaShem) Alone, whose Justice and Mercy are perfect.
In modern Jewish practice, many rabbis and Jewish authorities recognize that a person who dies by suicide may have been experiencing severe mental illness, emotional distress, trauma, or overwhelming psychological suffering that affected his or her ability to make a fully deliberate decision. Consequently, the deceased is generally afforded a proper Jewish burial and mourning rites, while the surviving family is treated with compassion, support, and dignity rather than shame or condemnation.
DEATH BY SUICIDE IN CHRISTIANITY
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? Your are not your own. For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
Acts 16:27-28
“Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.”
When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul (the Apostle) cried with a loud voice.
Christianity teaches that all human life is sacred and ultimately belongs to God. Human beings are created in the image of God. The human body is described in the New Testament as a “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). For these reasons, Christianity regards the deliberate taking of one’s own life as contrary to God’s Will.
Messiah Jesus Christ (Isa) (peace be upon him) reaffirmed the commandment as recorded in the Holy Bible:
“You shall not murder.” - Matthew 19:18
Similar to the Torah, the New Testament does not contain a direct command stating, “You shall not commit suicide,” Christian teaching has historically understood the sanctity of life and the prohibition against killing to extend to one’s own life. Suicide has a detrimental effect on the family and community and assumes authority over life and death that ultimately belongs to God.
Christianity teaches that human beings should not presume to know the eternal destiny of a person who has died by suicide. Final judgment belongs to God Alone, who knows the person’s heart, suffering, mental state, intentions, and degree of responsibility.
Catholicism:
The Catholic Church considers suicide a grave moral wrong and addresses it within its teaching on the Fifth Commandment, “You shall not kill.” Human beings are considered stewards rather than absolute owners of the lives God has entrusted to them.
However, Catholic teaching does not state that everyone who dies by suicide automatically goes to Hell. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) recognizes that severe psychological disturbance, anguish, grave fear, suffering, or other circumstances may diminish a person’s responsibility for the act.
The Catechism therefore teaches:
“We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives.” - Catechism of the Catholic Church, §2283
God Alone knows the complete circumstances surrounding a person’s death and determines the ultimate destiny of the soul.
United Methodist Church:
The United Methodist Church explicitly teaches not to pass judgement on those who take their own lives, and suicide is not an unforgivable sin. Suicide is not considered the way God intends human life to end, while the Church also recognizes that depression, mental or physical illness, psychological suffering, trauma, and overwhelming circumstances may contribute to a person’s decision.
This understanding reflects the message of Romans 8:38-39, which teaches that neither death nor life, nor anything else in creation, can separate believers from the love of God.
Baptist Church:
Baptist traditions regard suicide as sinful because human life is sacred and comes from God. However, many Baptist Christians do not teach that the act of suicide automatically condemns a person’s soul to Hell. Salvation and final judgment belong to God, who Alone knows the heart and circumstances of every individual.
Lutheran, Presbyterian/Reformed, Anglican/Episcopal, Eastern Orthodox, Latter-day Saint:
Other Christian traditions differ in some aspects of their theology concerning suicide, salvation, and the afterlife. Nevertheless, they generally affirm the sacred nature of human life and regard deliberately ending one’s own life as contrary to God’s intention for humanity.
Many Christian traditions also emphasize that human beings should be cautious about declaring the eternal destiny of someone who has died by suicide. Judgment belongs to the Lord, and the Holy Bible continually emphasizes hope in God’s Mercy, Justice, Grace, and Forgiveness.
There is one suicide documented in the Holy Bible. The New Testament records the death of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ (Isa) (peace be upon him). After realizing the consequences of his betrayal, Judas was overcome with remorse, returned the thirty pieces of silver, and then hanged himself (Matthew 27:3–5).
These accounts describe what occurred; they do not present suicide as an example to follow.
The Gospel teaches that the Lord is Good, Just, and Merciful. Humanity has sinned and fallen short of God’s commands, creating separation between humanity and God.
Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ (peace be upon him), the Messiah, suffered through persecution, oppression, torture, and crucifixion for the sins of mankind to become the Savior of humanity. He shall return.
For this reason, Christianity teaches that despair should never have the final word. Throughout a person’s life, there remains hope in God’s Grace that can change the course of a person’s life.
A person may judge an action, but only the Lord fully knows the suffering, intentions, state of mind, and heart of the individual. Therefore, while Christianity teaches that suicide is contrary to the sacred Gift of Life from God and the ultimate Judgment of every soul belongs to God Alone.
DEATH BY SUICIDE IN ISLAM
Suicide is specifically addressed in the Holy Quran and is haram (prohibited) in Islam. Human life is sacred and belongs ultimately to Allah. A believer is not permitted to deliberately take another person’s life without just cause, nor is a person permitted to deliberately end his or her own life.
Death belongs to Allah.
Allah commands:
“And do not kill yourselves. Surely Allah is ever Merciful to you.” - Quran 4:29
The Quran also emphasizes the sanctity of human life:
“Do not take a human life, made sacred by Allah, except with legal right.” - Quran 17:33
Although suicide is considered a major sin, Final Judgment belongs to Allah Alone. He Alone fully knows a person’s actions, intentions, suffering, state of mind, and circumstances, and He Alone determines the Fate of every soul.
Throughout the Quran, Allah repeatedly emphasizes the value of life, the importance of sincere repentance, and the vastness of His Mercy and Forgiveness.
Allah tells those who have sinned:
“Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” - Quran 39:53
Several authentic hadith (reports concerning the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), contain severe warnings against suicide. It’s documented that a person who kills himself with a particular means may be punished by that means till the Day of Judgement. These warnings demonstrate the seriousness with which Islam regards suicide. Nevertheless, Allah Alone is the ultimate Judge of every soul.
Islam places tremendous importance on repentance, righteous deeds, and Allah’s Grace, Mercy, and Compassion. Every person’s deeds, both good and bad, will be brought forth and accounted for on the Day of Judgment.
Allah declares:
“Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it. And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” - Quran 99:7–8
Acts that may appear small to human beings can carry significant weight before Allah. Feeding the hungry, giving charity to orphans, caring for a sick family member, helping someone in distress, showing kindness, and relieving another person’s suffering are among the many righteous deeds for which a believer may receive reward.
Islam also teaches that certain good deeds can continue benefiting a person after death. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that when a person dies, his or her deeds generally come to an end except for three: continuing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous believer who prays for the deceased.
For example, helping provide a lasting source of clean drinking water, contributing to a place of worship or another beneficial institution, sharing knowledge that continues helping others, or establishing another form of continuing charity may bring reward even after the person’s death.
Although suicide is haram (forbidden), it distinguishes between committing a major sin and rejecting Faith altogether. A Muslim who commits a major sin is not automatically banished because of that sin. Islam prohibits passing judgment upon someone who was suffering from severe mental illness, impaired awareness, overwhelming trauma, or a loss of rational control. Islam encourages providing help and care for those who are in need.
Human beings cannot completely know another person’s mind, suffering, intentions, or ability to make a fully conscious decision.
Allah knows what humans cannot know.
The ultimate fate of such a person remains under Allah’s Judgment. Allah may punish or forgive according to His perfect Knowledge, Justice, Wisdom, and Mercy.
All Muslims receive a proper Islamic burial, regardless of their cause of death, even if it is suicide. Suicide does not deprive the deceased of the dignity and respect afforded to other deceased Muslims.
Islam encourages believers to pray for the deceased and seek Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness on their behalf, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their death.
The Quran reminds humanity:
“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we will return.” - Quran 2:156
Every soul will return to Allah, and every person will ultimately stand before Him. Suicide is prohibited, but no human being possesses Allah’s complete Knowledge of another person’s heart, suffering, intentions, or final account.
DEATH BY SUICIDE IN MONOTHEISM
All three Faiths teach believers to turn toward God during times of hardship. To seek His Guidance, ask for His Mercy, remain steadfast in Faith, and seek help and support from others when the burden becomes too difficult to carry alone.
God does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.
The Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran repeatedly teach that God is Merciful, hears those who call upon Him, and remains near to those who seek Him. No matter how dark a moment may appear, suffering in this life is not a reason to surrender hope.
Hold firmly to the belief that there is only:
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One True God.
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Seek His Guidance.
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Do good to others.
Final Judgment belongs to God Alone, but while there is life, there is always an opportunity for hope, repentance, healing, and change.
FIGHTING DEMONS
Addictions, Mental Health Struggles and Sin
Every person has their own demons to fight when it comes to addiction or mental health struggles. This is not meant to be a metaphor.
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Since the beginning of mankind, the unseen battle between obedience and defiance has shaped the human trajectory. Scripture teaches that Lucifer (Iblees), once among the exalted, fell through pride and rebellion. He refused to accept the divine order established by God and the favor granted to Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) as a divine creation. Consumed by arrogance, Lucifer (Iblees) vowed to lead humanity astray, and through his fall became known as the devil, the deceiver who seeks to separate mankind from the will of the Creator. Unable to wage this rebellion alone, he drew other fallen angels into his cause, working in quiet persistence to whisper doubt, temptation, and false promises into the hearts of men and women.
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Our addictions and sin extend beyond our internal struggles to include invisible adversaries, intensifying the challenge. It's difficult to prepare oneself for an enemy that remains unknown or unseen.
Defeating Demons
If we are to understand the nature of our struggle, we must first consider how victory is achieved in any real battle, whether inside a ring or upon a battlefield. No warrior enters a fight expecting defeat, nor do they prepare themselves to endure the same wounds endlessly without hope of triumph. Victory requires intention, preparation, and decisive action.
1) The Will to Win: A fighter must possess the determination to prevail and the conviction that victory must be achieved. The expectation for participants in a ring, just like for soldiers in battle, is never to face loss or surrender. The mindset of perseverance, resilience, and ultimate triumph must exist first within the heart. Without the will to overcome, even the strongest will fall. The expectation of victory strengthens endurance and allows one to continue standing when the struggle becomes difficult. We must have faith that victory is achievable and that setbacks are not final.
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Power of God Almighty: That mindset is strengthened through Faith, the belief that there is only One True God, the only deity worthy of worship. The demons we struggle against have been drawn into rebellion by the Devil, who himself was created by God. God Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, is above all powers and His authority exceeds all forces of darkness. He is the One God worshipped by Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, David, Solomon, Jacob, Isaac, and many other prophets; may peace be upon them all. God Almighty is the source of our protection, guidance, assistance, and recompense.
2) Defense: Before entering any battle, we must first find a way to protect ourselves from harm. We must shield ourselves against the blows that will surely come. Putting on armor, raising a shield, and developing discipline are necessary to limit damage and preserve strength for the duration of the fight. Defensive preparation allows us to remain standing even when attacked repeatedly. Without protection, damage accumulates and weakness follows. Guarding ourselves, maintaining awareness, and strengthening our defenses prevent the opponent from gaining easy advantage. Endurance is preserved not by avoiding the battle, but by preparing wisely for it.
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Power of God’s Word: These unseen influences by the demons seek to plant negative thoughts, encourage moral weakness, and create distance between the soul and God’s guidance. These evil forces do not compel action, but they nudge, pressure, and entice — working within the mind, the heart, the body, and the soul in ways we may not always recognize. These whispers of temptation by our demons must be guarded against constantly, for the urges toward vice and sin can be persistent. One way to quiet these whispers is to fill the mind and heart with remembrance of God, allowing His words to be present throughout the day as a form of spiritual defense.
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Repeating simple phrases is a very powerful form of defense:
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God is the Greatest
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God is Sufficient for me
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Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds
These phrases help center the mind on what is righteous and true. When our thoughts are occupied with remembrance of God, there is less room for destructive influences to take hold, and the whispers of temptation lose their strength. This is the greatest form of defense.
3) Offense: No battle has ever been won by defense alone. At some point, a fighter must advance, confront the opponent directly, and strike with purpose. Passive endurance cannot defeat an active adversary. Victory requires decisive action that weakens the opponent’s ability to continue the fight. To prevail, one must not only withstand the attack, but also press forward with courage and intention, seeking to overcome the enemy so that the same battle need not be fought endlessly. True victory is not merely surviving the fight but bringing it to its rightful end.
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Power of Good Deeds: The Devil’s recruitment of demons is met by God’s assignment of angels. For every force that seeks to mislead, there are divine helpers guiding us toward righteousness. We are never left alone in this struggle. We simply need to seek His assistance and make the conscious effort to choose what is good. Through consistent acts of righteousness, we weaken the influence of our demon’s destructive forces and strengthen the guidance meant to protect us.
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Taking offensive action requires actively replacing harmful habits with beneficial ones. Among the most powerful deeds in overcoming temptation are Prayer, Charity, and Self-Sacrifice. These actions strengthen the soul, build discipline, and distance us from influences that seek to lead us astray.
Praying: Prayer requires stepping away from the distractions of daily life and intentionally creating time to reconnect with God. Find a quiet place where your mind can be still and spend a few moments reading the word of God. Reading even a page or two of the Torah, Bible, or Quran each day can bring clarity and peace. Prayer is personal and sincere, existing between you and God alone. It strengthens awareness, calms the mind, and reminds the heart of what truly matters.
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Example: Instead of spending moments of downtime scrolling through social media or watching another show, find a quiet place to pray or reflect. Even a few minutes of sincere remembrance can help clear the mind and restore focus.
Charity: Charity is one of the most powerful ways to bring goodness into the world. Giving a portion of what we have to those in need strengthens compassion and humility. Feeding someone who is hungry is among the greatest acts a person can perform, but charity is not limited to money. Giving time, attention, or care to others is also a form of charity. Visiting someone in a hospital or hospice, helping a neighbor, or supporting those facing hardship can bring comfort to someone who may otherwise feel alone.
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Example: Instead of dedicating an entire weekend only to entertainment (Friday-Happy Hour, Saturday-Pool Party, Sunday-Football Games), consider setting aside time to serve others. Volunteering to distribute food to the hungry, helping those in need, or visiting someone who is sick can create meaningful impact for both the giver and the receiver.
Self-Sacrifice (Discipline and Self-Control): Self-sacrifice is closely connected to self-love and spiritual discipline. Many destructive influences thrive on emotions such as anger, pride, lust, and over-indulgence. Learning to control these impulses strengthens character and brings a deeper sense of awareness and peace. Choosing patience instead of anger, humility instead of pride, and moderation instead of excess transforms not only the individual but also the relationships with those around them.
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Example: Walking away from an argument when you would normally continue fighting, admitting fault in order to make peace, or choosing restraint in moments of temptation are powerful acts of discipline. Practicing moderation in consumption, avoiding harmful habits, and choosing patience over impulse all contribute to lasting strength and clarity.
None of these changes need to happen all at once. Lasting transformation does not occur in a single day or even in a single season. Progress happens gradually — one step at a time, one act at a time, one choice at a time. While challenges may continue and moments of weakness may occur, persistence in faith, protection through the word of God, and commitment to good deeds gradually weaken destructive influences of our demons.
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Through faith, discipline, and consistent action, victory becomes possible. Over time, those demons lose their hold when they are no longer welcomed. Strength grows, clarity increases, and the battle becomes easier to endure. The struggle may continue, but perseverance in righteousness ensures that the outcome moves steadily toward peace and restoration.
ELIMINATING DEMONS
Make no mistake about it, fighting off evil is a battle. This conflict is not abstract or metaphorical; it is a genuine struggle that every person faces. Demons that seek to undermine our resolve and lead us astray operate quietly, but their influence is persistent and real. Engaging in this fight requires recognizing that we are not only contending with our weaknesses, but also with unseen adversaries, the demons and the evil spirits, determined to separate us from guidance and purpose. The battle is ongoing, demanding vigilance, courage, and commitment from each of us as we strive to resist temptation and maintain our connection to what is good and true.
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Understanding the battle helps explain why the struggle can feel relentless and deeply personal. The presence of temptation does not mean defeat is certain, but it does mean preparation is necessary. Just as no warrior expects victory without discipline, no individual should expect freedom without effort, protection, and perseverance. Recognizing the existence of unseen influences reminds us that the fight is not merely against ourselves alone, but against forces that seek to weaken resolve and separate us from truth. With awareness, preparation, and faith, the battle can be faced with courage and ultimately overcome.
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It's time to face and conquer our personal demons.
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