"The Messenger of Allah said: 'None of you should wish for death because of some harm that befalls him. If he must wish for death, let him say: Allahumma ahini ma kanatil-hayatu khairantli wa tawaffani idha kanatil-wafatu khairanli (O Allah, keep me alive so long as life is good for me, and cause me to die when death is good for me)"
Hadith Text & Reference
"The Messenger of Allah said: 'None of you should wish for death because of some harm that befalls him. If he must wish for death, let him say: Allahumma ahini ma kanatil-hayatu khairantli wa tawaffani idha kanatil-wafatu khairanli (O Allah, keep me alive so long as life is good for me, and cause me to die when death is good for me)'"
Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1821 | Book: The Book of Funerals
Meaning & Prohibition
This noble hadith contains a profound prohibition against wishing for death due to worldly hardships, illnesses, or calamities. Such wishing demonstrates impatience with Divine decree and lack of trust in Allah's wisdom.
The believer must recognize that only Allah knows what is truly beneficial for His servants. What appears as hardship may contain hidden blessings, while what seems desirable may lead to spiritual harm.
The Permissible Supplication
When overwhelmed by difficulty, the Prophet taught us to instead seek refuge in this comprehensive dua. "O Allah, keep me alive so long as life is good for me" means: sustain me while life contains opportunities for obedience, repentance, and drawing closer to You.
"Cause me to die when death is good for me" means: take my soul at the time most pleasing to You, when my faith is strong and my record of deeds is most favorable.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam an-Nawawi explains that this teaching reflects perfect tawakkul (reliance on Allah). The believer submits completely to Allah's timing and wisdom, recognizing that the Creator knows what the created does not.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that this supplication encompasses all possible good - seeking beneficial life and blessed death. It protects from the spiritual danger of discontent with Qadr (Divine decree).
Practical Benefits
This teaching cultivates patience (sabr) and gratitude (shukr) during trials. It redirects the believer's focus from despair to constructive supplication.
The prescribed dua serves as spiritual protection against despair and strengthens one's relationship with Allah through humble submission to His perfect wisdom and timing.