The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) used to supplicate in prayer thus:" O Allah! I seek refuge with Thee from the torment of the grave, and I seek refuge with Thee from the trial of the Masih al-Dajjal (Antichrist) and I seek refuge with Thee from the trial of life and death. O Allah! I seek refuge with Thee from sin and debt." She ('A'isha) reported: Someone said to him - (the Holy Prophet): Messenger of Allah! why is it that you so often seek refuge from debt? He said: When a (person) incurs debt, (he is obliged) to tell lies and break promise.
The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer - Sahih Muslim 589
This narration from the Mother of the Believers 'A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) contains profound wisdom regarding the Prophet's (ﷺ) comprehensive supplication during prayer, seeking refuge from four major calamities: the torment of the grave, the trial of the False Messiah, the trials of life and death, and the burdens of sin and debt.
Commentary on Seeking Refuge from Grave's Torment
The torment of the grave is a reality affirmed by Quran and Sunnah. The Prophet (ﷺ) frequently sought protection from it, teaching us that the believer must be conscious of the afterlife from the moment of burial until resurrection.
Scholars explain that this refuge encompasses protection from the questioning by Munkar and Nakir, the constriction of the grave, and its various punishments that befall disobedient souls.
Understanding the Dajjal Trial
Al-Masih al-Dajjal represents the ultimate trial of faith before Judgment Day. His emergence will test believers' creed through extraordinary deception and false miracles.
Classical commentators emphasize that seeking refuge from this trial demonstrates the importance of firm belief and preparation through knowledge of authentic Islamic teachings to recognize and resist his falsehood.
Trials of Life and Death Explained
This comprehensive refuge includes protection from the trials of living (such as deviation in belief, worldly temptations, and hardships) and the trials at death (including weakness of faith during the final moments and improper ending).
Scholars note that life contains trials of prosperity and adversity, while death contains trials of the soul's separation and the transition to the hereafter - both requiring divine protection.
The Wisdom Behind Seeking Refuge from Debt
The Prophet's (ﷺ) explanation reveals the profound social and spiritual consequences of debt. When burdened by debt, a person may compromise truthfulness by making false promises about repayment dates or capabilities.
Classical jurists derived from this that while permissible debt exists for necessity, excessive debt leads to moral compromise, anxiety, and distraction from worship - hence the Prophet's frequent seeking of refuge from it.
This teaching encourages financial responsibility, living within means, and understanding that debt affects not only one's worldly affairs but also spiritual integrity and relationship with Allah.