The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: When any one of you completes the last tashahhud. he should seek refuge with Allah from four (trials). I.e. from the torment of Hell, from the torment of grave, from the trial of life and death, and from the mischief of Masih at-Dajjal (Antichrist). This hadith has been narrated by al-Auza'i with the same chain of transmitters but with these words:" When any one of you completes the tashahhud" and he made no mention of the words" the last".
Hadith Text & Context
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "When any one of you completes the last tashahhud, he should seek refuge with Allah from four (trials): from the torment of Hell, from the torment of grave, from the trial of life and death, and from the mischief of Masih ad-Dajjal (Antichrist)."
This hadith is recorded in Sahih Muslim (588b) from The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer, establishing the recommended supplication before concluding the prayer.
Scholarly Commentary
This teaching establishes a sunnah practice during the final sitting (tashahhud) of prayer. The four sought protections represent comprehensive spiritual dangers: Hell's punishment for sins, grave's trial questioning faith, life's temptations and death's distress, and the ultimate deception of Dajjal.
The variation in narration regarding "last tashahhud" indicates this supplication is specifically for the final sitting before tasleem, not the initial tashahhud in four-rak'ah prayers. This timing ensures the believer concludes their direct communion with Allah with these essential spiritual protections.
The Four Protections Explained
Torment of Hell: Seeking refuge from the ultimate consequence of disobedience to Allah, motivating constant obedience and repentance.
Torment of the Grave: Protection from the questioning by angels Munkar and Nakir, and any punishment before Resurrection.
Trial of Life and Death: From life's temptations that lead astray and death's hardships that may weaken faith.
Mischief of Dajjal: From the great deceiver's fitnah who will claim divinity, requiring strong faith to recognize truth.
Legal Ruling & Practice
The majority of scholars consider this supplication highly recommended (mustahabb) but not obligatory. It should be recited silently after the final tashahhud and before the concluding tasleem (salutations).
This comprehensive prayer encompasses protection in this life, at death, in the grave, and in the Hereafter, making it a complete spiritual safeguard for the believer who regularly recites it with presence of heart.