Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to invoke (Allah): "Allahumma ini a`udhu bika min 'adhabi-l-Qabr, wa min 'adhabi-nnar, wa min fitnati-l-mahya wa-lmamat, wa min fitnati-l-masih ad-dajjal. (O Allah! I seek refuge with you from the punishment in the grave and from the punishment in the Hell fire and from the afflictions of life and death, and the afflictions of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal."
Exegesis of the Prophetic Supplication
This profound invocation from Sahih al-Bukhari 1377 contains five distinct forms of protection sought from Allah, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of Islamic spirituality that encompasses both worldly and otherworldly concerns.
Refuge from Grave Punishment
The Prophet (ﷺ) first seeks protection from 'adhab al-qabr (punishment of the grave), which scholars explain refers to the trial and chastisement that may occur in the barzakh (intermediate state) between death and resurrection. This reflects the Islamic understanding that accountability begins immediately after death.
Protection from Hellfire
Seeking refuge from 'adhab al-nar (punishment of the Fire) acknowledges the ultimate consequence of disobedience to Allah. Classical commentators note this includes both the eternal Fire for unbelievers and temporary punishment for sinful believers.
Trials of Life and Death
The phrase "fitnati-l-mahya wa-lmamat" (afflictions of life and death) encompasses all forms of tribulation. Scholars interpret this as including: trials in living through temptation and deviation, and trials in dying through improper death or weakened faith.
The Dajjal's Trial
Seeking protection from "fitnati-l-masih ad-dajjal" refers to the great tribulation caused by the False Messiah. Classical exegetes emphasize this as the most severe trial in human history, requiring divine protection to maintain correct belief.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This supplication, recorded in the chapter "Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)" of Sahih al-Bukhari, teaches Muslims the comprehensive nature of seeking divine protection. Scholars recommend its recitation during prayers, particularly in the final tashahhud, as part of complete spiritual preparedness.