The Messenger of Allah (way peace be upon him) said: When any one of you utters tashahhud (in prayer) he must seek refuge with Allah from four (trials) and should thus say:" O Allah! I seek refuge with Thee from the torment of the Hell, from the torment of the grave, from the trial of life and death and from the evil of the trial of Masih al-Dajjal" (Antichrist).
The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer - Sahih Muslim 588 a
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: When any one of you utters tashahhud (in prayer) he must seek refuge with Allah from four (trials) and should thus say: "O Allah! I seek refuge with Thee from the torment of the Hell, from the torment of the grave, from the trial of life and death and from the evil of the trial of Masih al-Dajjal" (Antichrist).
Commentary on the Four Protections
This hadith establishes a comprehensive spiritual protection that a believer seeks during the most intimate conversation with Allah - the prayer. The four sought refuges represent the major trials of a Muslim's existence, both in this world and the hereafter.
From the torment of Hell: This refers to seeking protection from the eternal punishment reserved for disbelievers and sinful Muslims who die without repentance. Scholars note this demonstrates the believer's humility and recognition of their own vulnerability to divine punishment.
From the torment of the grave: The trial of the grave (fitnat al-qabr) is the first stage of the afterlife where the deceased is questioned by angels. Seeking refuge from this shows awareness of the immediate spiritual challenges after death.
From the trial of life and death: Scholars interpret this as seeking protection from the temptations and tribulations throughout one's earthly existence (life) and the difficulties and potential misguidance at the moment of death when faith is most vulnerable.
From the evil of Masih al-Dajjal: The Antichrist represents the ultimate trial of faith before the Day of Judgment. Seeking refuge from his deception emphasizes the importance of protecting one's creed from the greatest fitnah that will test all humanity.
Scholarly Insights
Imam al-Nawawi comments that this supplication encompasses protection from all major spiritual dangers - the afterlife punishment, the intermediate state, worldly trials, and the ultimate test of faith. The timing during tashahhud is significant as it occurs when the worshipper is closest to Allah in prayer.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that these four protections cover the complete spectrum of a believer's journey: the trials of this world (life and death), the intermediate realm (grave), the final tribulation (Dajjal), and the ultimate consequence (Hell).