Page 265 - Islam and Far Eastern Religions

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that they would rather die than be perceived of as a failure. No doubt
the perception of failure as a moral deficiency and the unforgiving atti-
tude towards weaknesses and imperfections, instead of understanding

and compassion, play a major role in this. The fascist culture of
Shintoism, as will be seen later in more detail, can decree the death
penalty for even minor mistakes. Considering suicide as a supposed
virtue is a consequence of nihilism.
Suicide is a great sin according to Allah and it contravenes Islam
just like murder. Allah clearly forbids suicide: “… And do not kill
yourselves” (Surat an-Nisa’: 29) Islam forbids suicide under all circum-
stances. In a society in which Islamic morality is practiced, people who
make mistakes, or are unsuccessful, are not considered bad but are re-
ceived with compassion and care. What matters is whether someone is
of good character, and not whether he is successful or not. Those of in-
ferior character are encouraged to improve themselves in a compas-

sionate and friendly manner.

THERE IS NO CONCEPT OF SIN OR
CRIME IN SHINTOISM
Allah has throughout history revealed through His messengers
and books of revelation, His prohibitions and good deeds, taught moral
virtue and warned people of the things they must refrain from. Every
human being is in a trial for the duration of his earthly life. This is a fact
revealed in our source of guidance, the Qur’an:

He Who created death and life to test which of you is best in action.
He is the Almighty, the Ever-Forgiving. (Surat al-Mulk: 2)

Every human being must fear and respect Allah, abide by our
Lords commandments and adopt the morality approved by him. This
is the only thing that will benefit him in this life here as well as in the
hereafter.

Harun Yahya (Adnan Oktar)