"I heard Abu Al-Qasim [SAW] say, during his prayer: 'Allahumma, inni a'udhu bika min fitnatil-qabri, wa fitnatid-dajjali, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamati, wa min harri jahannam (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the trial of the grave, and from the tribulation of the Dajjal, and from the trials of life and death, and from the heat of Hell.)'"
The Book of Seeking Refuge with Allah
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 5520
Hadith Text
"I heard Abu Al-Qasim [SAW] say, during his prayer: 'Allahumma, inni a'udhu bika min fitnatil-qabri, wa fitnatid-dajjali, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamati, wa min harri jahannam (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the trial of the grave, and from the tribulation of the Dajjal, and from the trials of life and death, and from the heat of Hell.)'"
Commentary on the Four Refuge Seekings
Trial of the Grave (Fitnat al-Qabr): This refers to the questioning by the angels Munkar and Nakir after burial. The believer will answer correctly by Allah's grace, while the disbeliever will fail. The refuge encompasses both the questioning and the subsequent punishment or constriction.
Tribulation of the Dajjal (Fitnat al-Dajjal): The Dajjal is the False Messiah, the greatest single trial before Judgment Day. He will claim divinity and perform deceptive miracles. Seeking refuge acknowledges human weakness against such profound deception and asks for divine protection.
Trials of Life and Death (Fitnat al-Mahya wal-Mamati): This comprehensive plea covers trials throughout one's entire existence. "Trials of life" include deviations in belief, sins, and worldly temptations. "Trials of death" refer to the difficulties of the death process and remaining steadfast in faith at that critical moment.
Heat of Hell (Harri Jahannam): This seeks protection from Hell's punishment in its entirety. The specific mention of "heat" highlights one of Hell's most severe and pervasive torments, serving as a metonym for all its punishments.
Scholarly Observations
This supplication, recited during prayer, demonstrates the Prophet's comprehensive approach to seeking protection. It moves chronologically from the immediate trial after death (grave), to the major end-times trial (Dajjal), to the continuous trials of earthly existence, and finally to the ultimate consequence in the Hereafter.
The placement within prayer indicates these matters should be at the forefront of a Muslim's consciousness during their most intimate communication with Allah. The comprehensive nature teaches believers to seek refuge from both spiritual and physical trials, from immediate dangers and ultimate consequences.