The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5511

"He (meaning the Prophet [SAW]) said: 'Seek refuge with Allah from five things: From the torment of Hell, the torment of the grave, the trials of life and death, and the tribulation of Al-Masihid-Dajjal.'"

Commentary on the Five Matters

This noble hadith instructs believers to seek protection in Allah from five grave matters that threaten one's faith and afterlife. The Prophet (ﷺ) specifically identified these dangers to emphasize their severity and the necessity of divine protection.

1. Torment of Hell: The eternal punishment prepared for disbelievers and sinful Muslims. Seeking refuge acknowledges human weakness and dependence on Allah's mercy to be saved from this ultimate consequence.

2. Torment of the Grave: The intermediate punishment that may befall the deceased based on their deeds. This refers to the trial (fitnah) and punishment in Barzakh before Resurrection.

3. Trials of Life: The fitnah of worldly temptations, doubts, desires, and hardships that can lead one astray from the straight path and proper belief.

4. Trials of Death: The final test at the moment of death when Satan makes his ultimate effort to misguide the soul. This includes the difficulty of death itself and maintaining firm faith until the last breath.

5. Tribulation of Al-Masihid-Dajjal: The greatest trial in human history brought by the False Messiah, whose deception will test the faith of all people except those specially protected by Allah.

Scholarly Insights

The scholars note that these five matters encompass the major spiritual dangers facing a Muslim throughout their existence - in life, at death, in the grave, during the end times, and in the Hereafter.

Imam An-Nawawi explained that seeking refuge from these specific matters demonstrates comprehensive concern for one's spiritual well-being across all stages of existence.

Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani noted the wisdom in mentioning these five together, as they represent the chronological order of trials from life until the Hereafter.

Practical Implementation

The recommended supplication is: "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'adhabi jahannam, wa min 'adhabil-qabr, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat, wa min sharri fitnatil-masihid-dajjal" (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of Hell, from the punishment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the evil of the trial of the False Messiah).

Scholars recommend reciting this daily, particularly during morning and evening remembrances, and in prayers as it comprehensively covers the major spiritual dangers.