Is someone who set fire to himself with the intention of frightening, not suicide, then burned and died after repenting and seeking forgiveness, considered a suicide victim under Islamic law?
A person who intentionally set fire to intimidate himself and remind himself of the fire of Hell is not considered a suicide, as he did not intend to kill himself. However, he erred because his method is illicit, according to the hadith: "None punishes with fire except the Lord of the Fire." It is hoped that Allah will forgive him through his repentance, good deeds, and lack of intention to commit suicide, for Allah Almighty says: "Your Lord has decreed upon Himself mercy: that whoever of you does evil through ignorance and then repents after that and corrects himself - indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful" and His saying: "But indeed, I am the Forgiver of him who repents, believes, does righteousness, and then is guided."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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