Never wish for death in times of misfortune

15-9-2011 | IslamWeb

Question:

What is the ruling on a person who asks Allaah The Almighty insistently for his death because he can no longer endure his illness?

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alyhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

A Muslim is not permitted to wish for his death or for any other harm, whether owing to a disease or any other troubles of life. A person should be patient and seek reward from Allaah The Almighty, Who will relieve his troubles and distress and reward him greatly for his patience and for seeking the reward of Allaah The Almighty. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, he who fears Allaah and is patient, then indeed, Allaah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.} [Quran 12:90]

Also, Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {and despair not of relief from Allaah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allaah except the disbelieving people."} [Quran 12:87]

Anas  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, forbade wishing for death for anyone afflicted by any evil. Rather, the person should supplicate Allaah The Almighty to keep him alive, if it is best for him to live, and to die if it is best for him to die. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Wishing for death unconditionally indicates a person’s objection to their fate, and despair of receiving mercy from Allaah. However, supplicating Allaah The Almighty indicates a person’s submission and acceptance of his fate. A Muslim is permitted to supplicate Allaah The Almighty using the above Du‘aa’ (supplication) in case of troubles and distress, although having patience and accepting the trouble is preferable and yields a greater  reward.

Allaah Knows best.

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