The Messenger of Allah [SAW] used to say: "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'adhabil-qabri, wa a'udhu bika min 'adhabin-nari, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat wa a'udhu bika min sharril-masihid-dajjali (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the torment of the grave, and I seek refuge with You from the torment of the Fire, and I seek refuge with You from the trials of life and death, and I seek refuge with You from the evil of the Al-Masihid-Dajjal.)"
The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5506
This comprehensive supplication taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encompasses four fundamental protections every believer should seek from Allah. The Prophet's consistent recitation of this dua demonstrates its paramount importance in Islamic spiritual practice.
Seeking Refuge from Grave's Torment
The torment of the grave ('adhab al-qabr) refers to the punishment that may befall a soul in the intermediate realm (barzakh) between death and resurrection. Scholars explain this includes both physical and spiritual sufferings resulting from one's sins and neglect of religious obligations.
Ibn al-Qayyim states: "The torment of the grave is established by the Quran, Sunnah, and consensus of the Salaf. It affects both the body and soul according to one's deeds."
Protection from Hellfire's Punishment
Seeking refuge from the Fire ('adhab an-nar) acknowledges Allah's ultimate authority over punishment and the believer's dependence on Divine Mercy. Al-Nawawi comments: "This refuge-seeking encompasses protection from all forms of Hell's punishments - its intensity, duration, and various types of torment."
Trials of Life and Death
The trials of life (fitnat al-mahya) include all temptations, doubts, and deviations that may lead one astray during earthly existence. Ibn Kathir explains: "This covers trials in religion, wealth, family, and all worldly affairs that may corrupt one's faith."
The trials of death (fitnat al-mamat) refer to the difficulties and temptations faced at the moment of death, including Satan's final attempts to mislead the dying soul. Al-Qurtubi notes: "The deathbed trial is among the most severe, as it determines one's eternal fate."
Evil of the False Messiah
Al-Masih ad-Dajjal represents the ultimate trial before Judgment Day. Ibn Taymiyyah states: "The Dajjal will appear claiming divinity, performing deceptive miracles, and leading many astray. Seeking protection from his fitnah is obligatory upon every Muslim."
This comprehensive supplication, when recited with understanding and conviction, serves as spiritual armor against the greatest dangers to a believer's faith and ultimate salvation.