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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It's time to face and conquer our personal demons.
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