This study examined the correlation between religiosity & suicide ideation in clinically depressed patients. 51 Malaysian patients with a diagnosis of major depression or bipolar affective disorder in depressed phase were included. They were assessed on sociodemographic profile, religious salience, severity of depression, hopelessness, past suicide attempt, & suicide ideation. 37% considered themselves as religiously salient. These patients scored very much lower in suicide ideation compared to non-religiously salient patients. This finding was more pronounced among Muslim patients. Religious salience is a protective factor against suicide ideation. (12 refs.) JA