The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5508

The Prophet [SAW] said: "Seek refuge with Allah from the torment of the grave, seek refuge with Allah from the trials of life and death, and seek refuge with Allah from the tribulation of Al-Masihid-Dajjal."

Commentary on the Three Forms of Refuge

This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i teaches us three essential forms of protection to seek from Allah Almighty. The first is refuge from the torment of the grave ('adhab al-qabr), which refers to the punishment that may befall a sinful believer in the barzakh (intermediate state) between death and resurrection.

The second refuge is from the trials of life and death (fitnat al-mahya wa al-mamat). This encompasses all tribulations in worldly existence and the final moments of death, when faith is most tested. The trial of life includes temptations of wealth, family, and position, while the trial of death refers to the questioning by angels Munkar and Nakir.

The third refuge is from the tribulation of Al-Masihid-Dajjal, the false messiah who will appear before the Day of Judgment, claiming divinity and performing deceptive miracles. His fitnah is considered the greatest trial humanity will face, and seeking protection from it is a regular sunnah in our prayers.

Scholarly Insights

Imam Al-Suyuti notes that these three refuges correspond to the three stages of existence: the grave (barzakh), worldly life (dunya), and the final apocalyptic trials (akhirah). Each represents a critical phase where divine protection is essential.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that the repetition of "seek refuge with Allah" emphasizes the importance of making distinct supplications for each category of protection, rather than combining them in a single request.

Al-Nawawi comments that this hadith establishes the sunnah of specifically mentioning these three dangers in our daily adhkar, particularly during prayer and before sleeping, as they represent the most severe tests of faith a believer may encounter.