Suicide A Selfish Act Or Selfless Act: Does It Really Matter?

Authors

  • Annie Margaret Sandelararan Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
  • Phaik Kin Cheah Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
  • Wan Ying Lee Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11113/sh.v9n3-2.1280

Keywords:

Suicide, suicidal behavrious, religious perspectives, religious influence, suicide prevention

Abstract

Globally, over 800,000 people die by suicide every year with one death every forty seconds. There are more deaths from suicide than from war and homicide together (World Health Organization, 2000). Some researchers concluded that suicide is as an act of eternal response to impermanent problems. One perspective is that suicidal behaviour a selfish act. Conversely, other quarters believe that suicidal behaviour is a selfless act. This study aimed to discuss the religious perspectives of suicide from the Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism views.  As, in the context of religion not all suicides are regarded as selfish acts. This study found that Hinduism accepts a man's right to end his life through the non-violent practice of fasting to death or to save one's honor. Suicide is morally valid if it is practiced one under divine command. Also at the same time, recommendations on suicide prevention in different religious contexts were addressed.

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Published

2017-07-27

How to Cite

Sandelararan, A. M., Cheah, P. K., & Lee, W. Y. (2017). Suicide A Selfish Act Or Selfless Act: Does It Really Matter?. Sains Humanika, 9(3-2). https://doi.org/10.11113/sh.v9n3-2.1280