Is the Person who commits Suicide washed?

Question

Is the person who commits suicide washed and prayed over?

Answer

The person who commits suicide is washed, prayed over and buried with the Muslims, because he is considered a disobedient sinner and not a disbeliever. This is because suicide is an act of disobedience (i.e. a sin) and it is not disbelief (Kufr). So if the person kills himself and Allah’s refuge is sought from this- he is washed, prayed over and shrouded. However, the major Imam and whoever has some importance among the people should not pray over him as a way of showing rejection to his deed and so that it is not thought that he is pleased with the person’s action. If the major Imam, or the ruler or the judges or the president of the country or its leaders abandon praying over him in rejection of this thing (suicide) and announcing that it is incorrect, then this is good. However, some of the people should pray over the person.


Shaikh Ibn Baz (Rahimahullah)

Reference: Fatawa Islamiyah Volume 3 Page 140