Epigraph:
Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Aye! it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort. Those who believe and do good works — happiness shall be theirs, and an excellent place of return. (Al Quran 13:29-30)
http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isSlim=1
Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times
There are few personalities that you do not forget, after you meet them once. I saw Robin Williams in the role of Mrs. Doubtfire and never forgot him, even though, I never knew his name until his death.
Rising to fame with his role as the alien Mork in the TV series Mork & Mindy (1978–1982), Williams went on to establish a successful career in both stand-up comedy and feature film acting. His film career included such acclaimed films as The World According to Garp (1982), Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), Dead Poets Society (1989), Awakenings (1990),The Fisher King (1991), and Good Will Hunting (1997), as well as financial successes such as Popeye (1980), Hook (1991), Aladdin (1992), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Jumanji(1995), The Birdcage (1996), Night at the Museum (2006), and Happy Feet (2006). He also appeared in the video “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin.
This career must have made him rich and he certainly did not lack in reputation.
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor three times, Williams received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Good Will Hunting. He also received two Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and five Grammy Awards.
Perhaps he had every thing that most of us desire.
Yet, on August 11, 2014, Williams was found unresponsive at his residence in Marin County, California, and was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Marin County’s coroner’s office, the probable cause of death was suicide by asphyxiation.
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
But, Why, did such a successful man come to such an end? This question will tax us for a long time to come.
I just propose to offer my two cents on this issue, given the glasses that I now wear, with my life experiences in Pakistan and later in USA, after I came to my new country in 1989 and having worked as a physician, all together, for almost thirty years now.
We are told that Robin Williams was fighting substance abuse issues and depression for a long time.
The general media may never discuss, what could have changed this unfortunate outcome.
This is what I want to discuss and debate in the Muslim Times.
I believe that a better understanding of religion and purpose of life could have saved Robin Williams and his family from this unfortunate ending.
I believe that Islam has helped the world over the centuries in staying away from alcohol and I can substantiate my claim.
I believe that alcohol is the gateway to other addictions and I can substantiate my claim.
I believe that the Bible has contributed to some degree to the world addiction problems, by condoning alcohol use and I can substantiate my claim.
I believe that a better understanding of the purpose of life, as suggested by Islam, professed by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and not the Islam being practiced by ISIS, Al-Qaeda or Taliban, can go a long way in saving humanity from anxiety and depression and I can substantiate my claim.
Let the discussions begin and before you give your opinion or judgment, please read some of the materials below.
Additional Reading
Switzerland: Alcohol abuse linked to domestic violence
Binge Drinking: moderation is a myth hard to sustain
Alcohol: moderate use a gateway to alcoholism
An international repository for alcohol related problems
Categories: Addiction, Americas, Islam, Preventive Medicine, Psychology
zia please foward me your direct email
ziahshah@gmail.com
My two cents : Humans are fragile beings emotionally & mentally, we need something strong to hold on to. What can be stronger than the rope of Allah, we should treat life as a trust given by God to hold dear till He wants it back at the appointed time. That is why suicide is not allowed in Islam because when you feel hopeless you think that is the solution to all miseries but ONLY the trust in God keeps you going.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYW2qemfcGI&w=420&h=315%5D
Quoting BBC: Robin Williams death: Police confirm suicide
US actor and comedian Robin Williams took his own life at his California home, police have confirmed.
Marin County Sheriff’s Lt Keith Boyd said Williams, 63, had been treated for depression and killed himself by hanging.
The entertainer was last seen alive by his wife on Sunday evening, and was found dead at about noon on Monday, Lt Boyd said.
Tributes have poured forth from President Barack Obama and others.
Lt Boyd said Williams’s wife saw him before she went to bed the evening before and left the house at 10:30 the next morning, believing him still to be asleep in another room.
…
Williams was famous for films such as Good Morning Vietnam and won an Oscar for his role in Good Will Hunting
In the past Williams had talked, and even joked, about his struggles with alcohol and drugs. His representative said on Monday he had also been “battling severe depression”.
He had recently returned to a rehabilitation centre to “fine-tune” his sobriety, the Los Angeles Times reported in July.
In a statement, Williams’ wife, Susan Schneider, said she was “utterly heartbroken” and asked for privacy for the family.
“As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin’s death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”
Mr Obama said Williams “made us laugh. He made us cry.”
“He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalised on our own streets.”
Monty Python star Terry Gilliam, who directed Williams in The Fisher King, told the BBC he had not met “anyone as exceptional as Robin was”.
“He seemed to be a kind of receptor of all knowledge, whatever it was, whether it was in the news, or something from an encyclopaedia or a book, he seemed to know all this stuff.
“He could then reassemble it in the most incredible combinations, which was always surprising, funny and outrageous.
http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-28765693
sad demise and sad story- when someone reaches to the level that s/he has achieved all worldly bounties then s/he loses the purpose of living in this world any more- what else to do! And there your point becomes valid- do soul searching to find the creator, its love and nearness (haqooqul ibad). Many of such people become philanthropist and fulfil their duites towards human beings (haqooqul-abud). Thank you
Shah sahib,
I was shocked by the approach you are taking on this death.
Do Muslims commit suicide also?
If yes, then can a pious Muslim not have
mental weakness,
Bipolar disorder,
Depression -precursor of suicidal thoughts
My dear Editor ! do not capitalize on one’s death.
Man is born weak, humble and vulnerable to so many circumstances and surrounding environment.
Please stop this TYPE of Preaching of Islam.
IT SURPRIZED ME TO KNOW THE DEMISE OF ROBIN WILLIAMS HAVING SUICIDE.
I SAW HIM FIRST MORK AND MINDY.
What is written by Zia Shah sahib is correct. Religion helps persons to mend their ways and improve oneself. i.e. keeping away from drinks and drugs and sex abuse and gambling and monetary problems. That is all covered by Islam, if one wants to follow the rules or not is up to him.
And there is complete liberty to accept or reject Islam. To accept Islam and to follow its guideline definitely helps every person towards safety and peace of mind.
We are sorry to have lost Robin Williams and we are losing many. There was some problem with Jackson and there have been other losses due to drugs and drinks and pain killers, and even smoking. The governments and organizations and doctors are giving warnings against many such things.. That is all in line with the teachings of Islam.
WE do not know exactly how and why we lost Robin Williams. But if he took his own life, it is a matter of some importance to know and learn some lessons from that.