"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Do not pray for death or wish for it. Whoever insists on praying for it let him say: Allahumma ahini ma kanatil-hayatu khairanli 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 Commentary
This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i (1822) contains profound wisdom regarding the believer's relationship with life and death. The prohibition against praying for death stems from the understanding that life is a trust from Allah and a precious opportunity for worship and spiritual growth. The Prophet ﷺ teaches us that only Allah knows what is truly beneficial for His servants in both life and death.
The Prohibition Explained
Scholars explain that wishing for death may indicate dissatisfaction with Allah's decree and timing. It reflects impatience with divine wisdom and could stem from weakness in faith during times of trial. The believer should instead demonstrate sabr (patience) and radha (contentment) with Allah's decree.
The Permissible Supplication
The prescribed du'a beautifully balances acceptance of divine wisdom with the recognition that only Allah knows what constitutes true goodness. "O Allah, keep me alive so long as life is good for me" includes physical health, sound faith, and ability to perform righteous deeds. "Cause me to die when death is good for me" refers to dying in a state of faith, free from trials that might harm one's religion.
Scholarly Insights
Imam Nawawi comments that this teaching applies even during severe hardship, as the Prophet ﷺ endured greater difficulties yet never prayed for death. Scholars of The Book of Funerals note that this hadith teaches the proper Islamic attitude toward life's tests - meeting them with patience and trust in Allah's perfect wisdom rather than seeking escape through death.