"None of you should wish for death due to any affliction, which might have affected him. But if he feels compelled to wish for it (due to extreme distress that he feels he cannot bear), he should say: “O Allah! Grant me life as long as life is better for me, and let me die when death is better for me.” Agreed upon.
Bulugh al-Maram 533: Commentary on Prohibition of Wishing for Death
This noble hadith from the collection "Bulugh al-Maram" by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani addresses a profound matter of faith and patience. The prohibition against wishing for death stems from the principle of complete submission to Allah's decree and timing.
Scholarly Explanation of the Prohibition
The scholars explain that wishing for death due to worldly afflictions demonstrates impatience with divine decree and lack of trust in Allah's wisdom. It may also indicate dissatisfaction with Allah's apportionment of one's lifespan.
Imam al-Nawawi states in his commentary on Sahih Muslim that this prohibition applies when one wishes for death due to worldly hardships, financial difficulties, or physical ailments that test one's patience.
The Permissible Supplication
When extreme distress overwhelms a person to the point where they feel compelled to seek relief, the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught this specific supplication. This prayer acknowledges Allah's perfect knowledge of what is truly beneficial for His servant.
Ibn al-Qayyim explains in "Zad al-Ma'ad" that this supplication contains complete submission to Allah's wisdom, recognizing that only He knows whether life or death contains greater benefit for the servant in both worldly and religious matters.
Practical Application in Funerals Context
In the context of "Funerals" and dealing with terminal illness or severe pain, this teaching guides Muslims to maintain proper spiritual conduct. Rather than despairing or seeking premature death, one should focus on preparing for the inevitable with righteous deeds and patience.
The scholars emphasize that this teaching applies particularly to those caring for the terminally ill, who should encourage patience and proper supplication rather than resignation or despair.