Asking Allaah to hasten one’s punishment in this life
Fatwa No: 160209

Question

Asalam Alaikum. I wouuld like to know whether it is halal or haram to ask Allah (swt) to be punished in this life (on earth) rather than the hereafter (judgement day). In addition, by punishment i mean whether you can ask Allah to make you suffer through a certain diease or etc. Thi question has been lingering in my mind for a couple of years and i would like to know your opinion.

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 is His slave and Messenger.

The Prophet forbade us to supplicate with what you mentioned in the question. Anas narrated that the Prophet visited a person from amongst the Muslims who had grown feeble like a chicken (because of his illness). The Prophet asked him: “Did you supplicate for anything or beg Allaah about that?” He said: “Yes. I used to utter (these words): “O Allaah inflict upon me the punishment in this world that you would punish me with in the Hereafter.” Thereupon the Prophet said: “Glory be to Allaah, you have neither the power nor forbearance to take upon yourself (the burden of His Punishment). Why did you not say instead: “O Allaah, ‘Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.’” He said: “Then the Prophet supplicated for him and Allaah cured him.” [Muslim, Ahmad and At-Tirmithi]

An-Nawawi said in his commentary on this Hadeeth reported by Muslim: “This Hadeeth is evidence that it is prohibited to ask that one's punishment be hastened…”

Besides, a person's supplicating to Allaah to inflict him/her with a disease is contrary to the order of the Prophet of seeking refuge in Allaah from the difficulties of hardships as he said: “Take refuge with Allaah from the difficulties of hardships, from the acquisition of wretchedness, and ill-fate, and the taunts of enemies.”

Therefore, dear sister, you should avoid supplicating for hastening the punishment (for your sins), and instead supplicate Allaah for good health as His Mercy encompasses your sins and the sins of all the creation.

Allaah Knows best.

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