Exposition of the Prohibition Against Wishing for Death

This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim, recorded in Mishkat al-Masabih 1599 under the Book of Funerals, contains profound wisdom regarding the believer's relationship with death. The Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly forbids Muslims from actively desiring or supplicating for death before its appointed time (ajal).

Theological Foundations

The prohibition stems from the Islamic understanding of divine decree (qadar). Every soul has a predetermined lifespan known only to Allah. Wishing for death constitutes dissatisfaction with Allah's timing and represents a form of impatience with divine wisdom.

Scholars distinguish between merely feeling the difficulty of life's trials and actively praying for death. The former is human nature, while the latter is prohibited as it questions Allah's perfect timing and wisdom in sustaining life.

Wisdom Behind the Prohibition

"When one dies his hope is cut off" indicates that death terminates the opportunity for spiritual growth. In life, every moment presents chances for repentance (tawbah), good deeds (hasanat), and drawing closer to Allah through worship.

"The continued life of a believer only brings him more good" reveals that for the true mu'min, extended life means increased reward. Each breath becomes an opportunity for dhikr, each hardship becomes expiation for sins, and each moment becomes a chance to elevate one's spiritual station.

Exceptions and Qualifications

Classical scholars mention two exceptional circumstances where supplicating for death may be permitted: when fearing fitnah in religion (losing one's faith) or when experiencing unbearable physical pain with no relief. Even then, the supplication should be conditional: "O Allah, keep me alive if life is better for me, and take my soul if death is better for me."

The believer's proper attitude is to remain content with Allah's decree while actively preparing for death through righteous deeds and sincere repentance, without hastening what Allah has delayed.