Is not everything predetermined, even entering Paradise and being saved from Hell? So why did the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, instruct Umm Habiba to pray for salvation from Hell instead of praying for a specified lifespan, especially since he said: "You have asked Allah for specified lifespans"?
This Hadith was narrated by Muslim from Ibn Mas'ud, and in it, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, clarified to Umm Habibah that asking Allah, glory be to Him, is for predetermined lifespans and allotted provisions. Nothing will be hastened before its time, nor will anything be delayed beyond its time. He also stated that supplicating for refuge from the torment of the Fire was better and more virtuous. Scholars explained the Prophet's guidance by saying that seeking what brings benefit in the Hereafter is more deserving than seeking mere worldly benefit. Supplicating for salvation from the Fire is an act of worship through which salvation from it is hoped for, like prayer and fasting, and it is not proper to abandon it by relying on preordained destiny.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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