Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
10 September 2024 | 10:30 a.m. SAST
1-minute read

Knowsely News

• Suicide is impermissible in Islam.
• We cannot condemn anyone who has committed suicide because we do not know all the facts.
• We must manage the root causes of suicide in young children, reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and raise awareness about the Shar’i ruling on suicide.

-Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s (SADAG) theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day campaign is “Changing the narrative on suicide”, which aims to remove the stigma around mental health.

The organisation has raised concerns about the rise in teen suicide rates in the country.

SADAG’s development manager Fatima Seedat said during an interview on Radio Islam International that each of the 100 schools that the organisation visited over the last year reported at least one suicide or attempted suicide.

According to results from questionnaires given to learners during SADAG’s school visits, numerous factors contribute to suicidal ideation and attempted suicide, including academic challenges, bullying, financial strain at home and trauma or abuse.

Seedat said that the school outreach programme has encouraged more learners to seek professional help.

While the perception of mental health has generally been negative, there has been a marked change due to improved awareness and education campaigns.

“The more we teach people about the different warning signs, the different signs and symptoms to look out for, they are more aware,” Seedat said. “So when they start seeing those signs, they know that they need to reach out for help,” she added.

Seedat emphasised the importance of continuing to raise awareness about mental health and to encourage people in Muslim communities to seek help when necessary.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can access SADAG’S support services on www.sadag.org or call the toll-free 24 hour Suicide Crisis Helpline at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393 and a counsellor will call back to help.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.