A Question About Repentance and Self-Harm

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته، I'm asking on behalf of a friend, and I have no intention of harming myself, insha'Allah. We know that, generally, someone who takes their own life faces severe consequences-like being destined for Jahannam, as mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari 1365, except in cases of serious mental illness where accountability is lifted. But here's a scenario: What if a Muslim deliberately takes a fatal overdose of something that doesn't cloud the mind (I won't give examples to avoid bad ideas), but between taking it and passing away, they sincerely repent and die saying the shahada (لا إله إلا الله)? Does the same ruling still apply, or does their tawbah change things? Just to add, this person has been struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts for about six years now. جزاك الله خيرًا for any insights.

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brother1h

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Your friend's been struggling for six years. May Allah ease his pain. Encourage him to talk to a scholar and a doctor. Sabr and prayer can bring relief, insha'Allah.

brother1h

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In Islam, intentional self-harm is a major sin. Repentance after the act but before death is a gray area-only Allah knows his state. But better to focus on living and seeking treatment.

brother56m

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Saying shahada out of genuine belief is powerful, but planning a sin then repenting at the last second sounds like deceiving oneself. Still, Allah's mercy is vast-much better to avoid the sin entirely.

brother8m

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I can't imagine the pain he's in. Remind him that after hardship comes ease. This dunya is temporary. Let's make du'a for his strength and that he finds peace without harming himself.

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