Suicide Prevention in Muslim Countries: Current Status and Way Forward

Religiousness has been associated with decreased risk of suicidal behavior though the mechanisms underlying these associations are not well characterized. Additionally, there is an extreme dearth of studies for suicide prevention in Muslim majority countries. In the current chapter, we discuss the context of Islam in suicide prevention, the current status, potential gaps, and the way forward in the prevention of suicide in Muslim countries. While further research in this area is required, this chapter highlights the strong Islamic injunction against suicide which may serve as a protective factor and preventative measure against suicidal behaviors. Islamic perspectives on suicide could be integrated into clinical practice and public health programs to improve outcomes related to suicide in Muslim countries.