Suicide vs. Risking One’s Life For Others

Question: Is it permissible to be a firefighter? Is it considered a form of suicide?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

While it is true that one may not put one’s life at risk for no reason, putting one’s life at risk to save someone else is a noble and honorable act in the sight of Allah.

Allah Most High says, ‘Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless it is out of retaliation for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land, it is as if he had killed all mankind entirely. And whoever saves one, it is as if he had saved mankind entirely’ (Qur’an 5: 32).

Furthermore, having policemen, firefighters, mountain rescuers, etc. is a communal obligation.  By taking on such a career, one is not only fulfilling one’s own obligation to make a living, but one is also fulfilling a communal obligation. This means that one has even a greater reward with Allah.

Professions that serve the public, such a being a fireman, are especially important for Muslims residing in non-Muslim countries.

In sum, I believe it is a very, very good idea to take on such a profession.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language