The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5518

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

Commentary on the Five Forms of Refuge

This comprehensive supplication encompasses five distinct forms of protection that every believer should seek from Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to seek refuge from these specific trials as they represent the greatest dangers to a Muslim's faith and ultimate salvation.

Torment of the Fire: This refers to the eternal punishment of Hellfire, which Allah has prepared for disbelievers and sinful Muslims. Seeking refuge demonstrates awareness of Allah's justice and the seriousness of divine punishment.

Torment of the Grave: This encompasses the trial (fitnah) of the grave and the punishment that may occur therein before the Day of Resurrection. It serves as a reminder of the intermediate state between death and resurrection.

Trials of Life: These include all forms of temptation, confusion in religious matters, worldly distractions, and tests that may lead one astray from the straight path during earthly existence.

Trials of Death: This refers to the difficulties and temptations faced at the moment of death, including Satan's final attempts to mislead the dying person and cause them to die upon something other than Islam.

Evil of Al-Masihid-Dajjal: The False Messiah represents the ultimate trial before the Day of Judgment. His emergence will bring unprecedented deception through supernatural feats that will test the faith of believers.

Scholarly Insights

Classical scholars emphasize that this supplication should be recited regularly, particularly during prayers. Imam An-Nawawi noted that seeking these five forms of protection covers the major spiritual dangers a Muslim faces in this life and the hereafter.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explained that the sequence reflects increasing severity of trials - beginning with the Fire (ultimate consequence), then the grave (intermediate state), then life and death (ongoing tests), culminating with the Dajjal (final great trial).

The comprehensive nature of this prayer demonstrates the Prophet's concern for his ummah's complete spiritual protection, covering all stages of existence from present life through death and into the afterlife.