(Mohammad Masood Ahmed (2025), Would You Like To Know Something About Islam, Second Edition, Crescent Books Inc., New York, USA. Pg. 191-196)

Recent events and their coverage by the media have left the impression that Muslims ignore the value of life. Some people mistakenly think that Islam does not value life or provide guidance on preserving it. In this article, I aim to clear up these misunderstandings and explore the significance of life and its preservation within Islam.

It is a well-established fact that Islam is a compassionate and considerate religion that values both human and animal life. It offers Muslims guidance in all circumstances where the preservation of life is imperative. Islam safeguards human life from the embryonic phase to the very last moments of existence. Additionally, it recognizes both the physical and spiritual dimensions of life.

Since Allah created the earth and everything upon it for human existence, arranging guidance for people to fulfill their purpose in life, why would He not instruct them to protect and preserve their lives? Why would human life hold no value? Without value ascribed to life, the concepts of morality, rights, and duties become meaningless. Moreover, the necessity to protect life dissipates; consequently, if life loses its value, it could ultimately lead to its demise.

Islam values life immensely and mandates its followers to protect it at all costs. It encourages individuals to lead a peaceful existence on Earth while also preparing for the Hereafter. Human life is regarded as sacred in Islam, which upholds the principle of “live and let live”. ¹ This principle is essential for Islam to foster an environment conducive to its ultimate goals. The faith imposes penalties on those who endanger lives and contravene this core tenet. Remarkably, Islam imparted this vital message to a society that initially lacked any appreciation or respect for life. Within a short period, a strong sense of the value of human life was established. In Islam, taking a life without “just cause” is considered one of the gravest sins. The Prophet declared:

(i) The most serious sins include associating partners with Allah (shirk), committing murder, disobeying parents, and lying.

(ii) A believer remains within the vast boundaries of Islam until he takes a life without just cause, for human blood is sacred.

(iii) On Judgment Day, Muslims will be held responsible for their Salah (obligatory prayers of worship), and the first matter to be addressed will be the claims regarding spilled blood. ²

He was no ordinary man who reported this; he was the the Prophet of God, fully backed by Him and His commandments. Allah instructs His servants:

...وَلَا تُلْقُوا بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى التَّهْلُكَةِ...     ۝ ³

And do not cast yourselves with your own hands into destruction.

Taking any action that harms oneself or threatens human life is strictly forbidden. Islam prohibits not only the taking of one’s own life but also the lives of others. Instead, Islam encourages us to embrace life fully. Suicide is haram (strictly prohibited) in Islam, and those who commit it face eternal condemnation in Hell. As Allah states:

...وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا 29‏ ⁴

…and kill not yourselves. Verily, Allah is ever mercifully inclined towards you.

Life is not solely ours; it is a trust from Allah. We will face punishment on the Day of Judgment for its misuse. Suicide represents a profound and evident sense of hopelessness. In Islam, any degree of hopelessness is considered sinful, especially suicide. A hopeless individual essentially denies Allah’s Supreme Power and loses faith in His ability to transform any circumstance at any moment. Therefore, we must strive to safeguard and cherish life above all else, never allowing ourselves to lose hope or faith in its value. A genuine Muslim remains hopeful. If Muslims are forbidden from taking their own lives, how can they justify ending the lives of others, except in the case of ‘just reasons’ and through proper legal channels? In the Holy Quran, Allah commands:

وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ...     ۝ ⁵

And do not kill any person whose killing Allah has forbidden, except for justice…

Consequently, Islam strictly forbids suicide, honor killing, euthanasia, and any unjustified killing. It also disallows abortions, even though many in the west believe that it does not equate to taking a life. In this context, Allah reveals:

...وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَوْلَادَكُم مِّنْ إِمْلَاقٍ  ۖ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَإِيَّاهُمْ...   ۝ ⁶

…and do not kill your children out of fear of poverty. We give sustenance to you as well as to them…

Financial constraints often lead to the decision for an abortion. Allah, to protect and preserve life, including that of the unborn, not only forbids abortions but also reassures that He Who provides for you will also provide for them ⁷. Since Allah guarantees sustenance, there is no reason to resort to abortion. If Islam prohibits the termination of an unborn life due to fear of poverty, how can it allow abortions in societies where food and luxuries are taken for granted? Islam strictly forbids abortion. Clearly, the wise course of action is to preserve life, as taking life contradicts divine guidance:

لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ فِي أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍ 4‏ ⁸

That, surely, We have created man in the best mold.

Allah created this precious life, which is truly beautiful. It is not something to be taken lightly or destroyed. He intended for life to be preserved so that humankind can relish the blessings of Earth and prepare for eternal life in the Hereafter. This directive is both clear and comprehensive. Concerning the value and respect that Islam places on human life, Allah declares:

...مَن قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا...     ۝ ⁹

…so whoever kills a human being, neither to avenge for a murder (nor) for criminal disturbance in the land, so it is as if he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves from death any (human) life, it is as if he has kept alive all people…

No society or legal framework has ever prioritized human life as much as Islam's constitution, the Holy Quran. There are limits to the extent to which humans can punish or reward actions related to death and life. For instance, if someone kills ten individuals, only one death sentence can be imposed on the perpetrator, leaving the other nine victims without justice. Similarly, rewards for commendable actions and accomplishments are also restricted. In contrast, the Almighty Lord's capacity for punishment and reward is boundless, allowing Him to administer complete justice as needed. How can Islam, which values life so highly, permit indiscriminate killing while failing to promote and reward the preservation of life? The Holy Quran states:

وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَدْعُونَ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَ وَلَا يَقْتُلُونَ النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَلَا يَزْنُونَ ۚ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ يَلْقَ أَثَامًا 68 يُضَاعَفْ لَهُ الْعَذَابُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَيَخْلُدْ فِيهِ مُهَانًا 69‏ إِلَّا مَن تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا فَأُولَٰئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ حَسَنَاتٍ ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا 70‏ ¹⁰

And those who do not call upon with Allah other deities and do not kill the people, who have been made sacred, except for justice, and do not commit adultery, and those who do this will face punishment; whose punishment will be increased on Judgment Day and (they) will remain there humiliated, but he who repents and embraces the faith and does good deeds, so they are those for whom Allah will convert their sins into good deeds. And Allah is the All-Forgiving, the All-Merciful.

In addition to prohibiting indiscriminate and unjust killing and defining severe punishments for murderers to uphold the value of life, Islam also addresses the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of existence. It emphasizes the importance of individuals being physically and mentally fit to foster an environment of peace and harmony. Islam seeks to protect people from harm and guides them to navigate this world successfully.

A careful analysis of Islamic teachings and worship reveals that every action taken in the name of Allah enriches both the mind and body, spiritually and physically. Engaging in these practices fosters an understanding of human life as the greatest gift from the Lord Almighty. As a result, individuals start to respect, honor, and safeguard human life from all harm.

Mental health and physical fitness are crucial for well-being and the preservation of life. Remarkably, in Islam, a healthy body and sound mind are attained automatically through regular and daily acts of worship. According to Islam, the time allotted to live in this world is determined by Allah, and no one dies before or after their designated time. Nevertheless, one should strive to maintain health until one's final moments. Islam places a strong emphasis on preserving and protecting human life. The Holy Prophet states:

Humanity is not granted anything superior to forgiveness, health, and wellness. ¹¹

The Prophet established guidelines on health that provide various physical and mental advantages when adhered to. For instance, numerous ahadith discuss dietary practices (including when to eat, what to consume, and proper eating and drinking habits), along with the importance of good hygiene (such as washing hands before and after meals, washing hands post-bathroom use, trimming nails, removing pubic hair, showering regularly, and brushing teeth). Moreover, numerous ahadith stress the importance of treating illnesses with appropriate medications and foods, adhering to a routine, and prioritizing timely waking and sleeping. They advocate for punctual meal times and encourage early breakfasts and dinners. Additionally, these ahadith underscore the value of a simple lifestyle for achieving mental tranquility. The following list further demonstrates the emphasis Islam places on the well-being of both the mind and body, while also elucidating how to live in accordance with Allah’s guidance as exemplified by the Prophet himself.

• Islam mandates the intake of only halal (Islamically permissible) foods.
• Halal animals must undergo Zabiha, meaning they are slaughtered according to Islamic principles as stated in the Quran.
• Pork and all its by-products are haram (strictly forbidden).
• Alcoholic beverages are haram.
• Beef is allowed, but not favored.
• Eating until completely full is not recommended.
• Thoroughly chew food before swallowing.
• Meat must be cooked thoroughly and served generously with gravy.
• Drink water before or during meals, but avoid drinking it immediately afterward.
• Speaking while eating is not advisable.
• To eat with the right hand instead of using utensils.
• Although odd to some, lightly licking fingers after eating offers unique benefits.
• Sitting on the floor while eating is a Sunnah of the Prophet .
• It is not advisable to consume food or beverages while walking or standing.

The Prophet’s insights on eating captivate a genuine seeker of knowledge, showcasing his attention to even the smallest details. One of the primary purposes of the Prophet was to inform us about everything that was either beneficial or harmful for living a comfortable, trouble-free life.

When both the body and mind are at peace, navigating life becomes safer and more effortless. Islam, a religion that considers every detail, truly seeks to protect life and upholds it as sacred.

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• ¹  Holy Quran, An-Nisa, 4: 29
• ²  Mishkat
• ³  Holy Quran, Al-Baqarah, 2: 195
• ⁴  Holy Quran, An-Nisa, 4: 29
• ⁵  Holy Quran, Al-Isra, 17: 33
• ⁶  Holy Quran, Al-An'am, 6: 151
• ⁷  Holy Quran, Al-An'am, 6: 151
• ⁸  Holy Quran, At-Tin, 95: 4
• ⁹  Holy Quran, Al-Ma'ida, 5: 32
• ¹⁰  Holy Quran, Al-Furqan, 25: 68-70
• ¹¹  Al-Nasai