“O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is the best?” He (ﷺ) said: “Ask Your Lord For Al-`Āfiyah and Al-Mu`āfāh in this world and in the Hereafter.” Then he came to him on the second day and said: “O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is the best?” So he (ﷺ) said to him similar to that. Then he came to him on the third day, so he (ﷺ) said to him similar to that. He (ﷺ) said: “So when you have been given Al-`Āfiyah in this world, and you have been given it in the Hereafter, then you have succeeded.”
Exposition of the Hadith
This noble hadith from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (3512) contains profound wisdom regarding the essence of supplication. The Companions question about the "best supplication" indicates their desire to perfect their worship and prioritize what is most beloved to Allah. The Prophet's consistent response across three days emphasizes the paramount importance of seeking divine protection and well-being.
Meaning of Al-`Āfiyah and Al-Mu`āfāh
Al-`Āfiyah denotes comprehensive protection, safety, and well-being encompassing all aspects of life - religious, physical, and spiritual. It includes preservation from calamities, diseases, sins, and all forms of harm.
Al-Mu`āfāh signifies being granted the means and capacity to attain this state of protection. It represents Allah's facilitation and enabling of the servant to remain in this blessed state of security and wellness.
Worldly and Hereafterly Dimensions
The supplication encompasses both temporal and eternal realms. Worldly `Āfiyah includes sound health, lawful sustenance, protection from trials, and preservation of faith. Hereafterly `Āfiyah comprises safety from Hellfire, ease in the accounting, and admission to Paradise.
Scholarly Insights
Imam al-Tirmidhi classifies this hadith as hasan sahih, indicating its sound authenticity. Scholars note that when `Āfiyah is granted in both worlds, the servant has achieved ultimate success (al-fawz) - the very purpose of creation. This comprehensive protection serves as the foundation for all other blessings and acts of worship.
The repetition of the answer over three days demonstrates the Prophetic teaching methodology of emphasizing fundamental principles through reinforcement, ensuring the Companions internalized this essential spiritual practice.