Hadith Text & Reference

"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] used to seek refuge (with Allah) from the torment of Hell, the torment of the grave, and Al-Masihid-Dajjal." (Sunan an-Nasa'i 5517)

Commentary on Seeking Refuge

This noble hadith from The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah in Sunan an-Nasa'i establishes three fundamental matters from which every believer must regularly seek Allah's protection. The Prophet's consistent practice demonstrates that seeking refuge is not merely recommended but constitutes essential spiritual protection for the Muslim.

The wisdom behind the Prophet seeking refuge from these specific matters lies in their severity and certainty. Each represents a distinct category of trial - the Hereafter, the intermediate state, and the worldly tribulation.

The Three Evils Explained

Torment of Hell: The ultimate consequence of disobedience to Allah. Seeking refuge acknowledges human weakness and our complete dependence on Allah's mercy to save us from the Fire whose fuel is men and stones.

Torment of the Grave: The first stage of the Hereafter where the soul experiences the consequences of its deeds. This refuge seeks protection from the questioning by Munkar and Nakeer and the compression of the grave for the disobedient.

Al-Masihid-Dajjal: The greatest trial before the Day of Judgment. This false messiah will appear with extraordinary abilities to mislead people, and seeking refuge demonstrates awareness of this ultimate test of faith.

Scholarly Benefits

The comprehensive nature of this supplication covers all temporal states: the present life (Dajjal), the intermediate state (grave), and the eternal state (Hell). This teaches believers to seek protection from evils in all dimensions of existence.

The hadith emphasizes proactive spiritual defense rather than waiting for trials to occur. The Prophet's regular practice indicates this should be a consistent daily remembrance, particularly in prayers and morning/evening adhkar.

This supplication contains profound tawhid - acknowledging that only Allah can provide true protection from these formidable dangers, and that no created being can save us from what only the Creator controls.