The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5509

The Messenger of Allah [SAW] used to seek refuge with Allah from five things, saying: "Seek refuge with Allah from the torment of the grave, and from the torment of Hell, and from the trials of life and death, and from the evil of Al-Masihid-Dajjal."

Commentary on the Five Matters of Refuge

This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i contains comprehensive protection encompassing both worldly and hereafter matters. The Prophet taught us to seek refuge from: 1) Torment of the grave - the punishment that may occur in the barzakh (intermediate state) due to sins; 2) Torment of Hell - the eternal punishment for major sins without repentance; 3) Trials of life - temptations, doubts, and hardships that corrupt faith; 4) Trials of death - the difficulties at the moment of death and Satan's attempts to misguide the dying; 5) Evil of Dajjal - the greatest trial before Judgment Day who will claim divinity.

The wisdom behind this comprehensive supplication is that it covers all stages of existence: life, death, the grave, the resurrection, and eternity. Scholars note that seeking refuge from these five matters demonstrates complete reliance on Allah's protection throughout one's spiritual journey.

Practical Implementation

The learned scholars recommend reciting this supplication regularly, particularly during prayers (in qunut), after prayers, and during morning/evening remembrances. This practice follows the Sunnah of the Prophet who consistently sought Allah's protection from these grave matters.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that seeking refuge from the trials of life includes protection from both apparent and hidden misguidance, while seeking refuge from the trials of death refers to being protected from a difficult death that may lead to poor ending of one's life.