Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 820 [Read full issue]
Seeking Mercy
Some people presume that they must be punished for their sins and reason that the punishment of this world is lighter than the punishment of the Hereafter. Therefore, they pray to Allah to expedite whatever punishment that is in store for them in the Hereafter to this world. The danger of such a line of reasoning is that the person ignores the great Mercy of Allah, and forgets to ask forgiveness for his sins. Instead of asking that which is encouraged and better, he asks instead for something that he cannot bear.
Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) once visited a (sick) person who had become so thin that he was almost like a new-born chick. The Prophet asked him: "Did you make any dua or ask (Allah) for anything?" He said: "Yes, I used to say: 'Whatever punishment are in store for me in the Hereafter, give it to me in this world!'" The Prophet responded: "Subhan Allah! You will never be able to bear it! Why did you not say: 'O Allah! Give us the good of this world, and the good in the Hereafter, and save us from the Hellfire!'" Anas added: "So the Prophet prayed for him, and he was cured."
Compiled From:
"Dua: The Weapon of the Believer"- Yasir Qadhi, pp. 110, 111