Suicide a selfish act or selfless act: does it really matter?

Globally, over 800,000 people die by suicide every year with one death every forty seconds. There are more deaths from suicide than from war and homicide together (World Health Organization, 2000). Some researchers concluded that suicide is as an act of eternal response to impermanent problems. One perspective is that suicidal behaviour a selfish act. Conversely, other quarters believe that suicidal behaviour is a selfless act. This study aimed to discuss the religious perspectives of suicide from the Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism views. As, in the context of religion not all suicides are regarded as selfish acts. This study found that Hinduism accepts a man\u27s right to end his life through the non-violent practice of fasting to death or to save one\u27s honor. Suicide is morally valid if it is practiced one under divine command. Also at the same time, recommendations on suicide prevention in different religious contexts were addressed