Allah has created human beings amidst toil and struggle. Every person exerts effort and either ransoms their soul by freeing it from the Fire—or ruins it. Some strive in pursuit of comfort, while others remain stuck in hardship due to their negligence. At times, people become so lazy in their efforts that they fall into disgrace, and at other times, they become so obsessed with worldly gain that they transgress all limits.
The Sign of Wisdom
The truly wise are those who neither go astray nor transgress. They stay balanced, control their panic, and manage both ease and hardship with discipline. Most importantly, they keep turning back to the door of their Lord, seeking His forgiveness and wellbeing in their faith, family, and livelihood.
The Natural Inclination for Aafiyah
The preference for ease and wellbeing is embedded in human nature—something Allah Himself has placed in our souls. Only a corrupted nature or a sealed heart desires affliction and pain. Therefore, the one who turns to Allah for ‘aafiyah aligns with the fitrah (natural disposition) gifted by his Creator.
The Value of Aafiyah
The true worth of ‘aafiyah is often unknown—until it is lost. Whether it’s a blessing of faith or worldly ease, the moment it’s taken away, the person realizes its value. Indeed, the garment of ‘aafiyah is the most beautiful covering a person can wear. It beautifies life in this world and secures comfort in the Hereafter.
The Prophet’s Precious Advice
Out of love and concern for his Ummah, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ advised:
“Ask Allah for forgiveness and aafiyah, for after certainty (iman), no one is given anything better than aafiyah.”
(Musnad Ahmad)
The Prophet ﷺ not only advised us to ask for it, but he himself regularly prayed for it, so we may understand its greatness. Among his frequent du’as was:
“O Allah, I ask You for aafiyah in this world and the Hereafter. O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness and aafiyah in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth.”
(Abu Dawood and others)
Aafiyah is a Complete Blessing
True aafiyah is not partial. It must include both religious and physical wellbeing. A major error is to seek only physical ease while ignoring spiritual wellbeing. This leads to imbalance and misguidance. On the other hand, seeking only religious aafiyah while neglecting bodily health may limit one’s ability to act on the deen. A strong believer is more beloved to Allah than a weak one.
The Relevance of Arafah
As we approach the sacred day of Arafah, the concept of aafiyah becomes even more powerful. The Day of Arafah is a day of freedom from the Fire, a day when millions stand before Allah, broken and hopeful, pleading for mercy, forgiveness, and… aafiyah.
It is on this day that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.”
(Sahih Muslim)
What are they asking for? Forgiveness. Protection. Closeness. A second chance. In one word: aafiyah.
So let your voice rise with theirs. Whether you’re standing on the plain of Arafah or praying from home, lift your hands and say:
اللهم إنّي أسألك العفو والعافية
O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and aafiyah.
Let this day be your moment to reflect on the blessings you take for granted—your faith, your family, your body, your heart. Seek aafiyah in all of them—before you lose them.
True Success
As Ibn al-Jazari رحمه الله said:
“Whoever is granted aafiyah has attained everything his heart and soul long for—in both religion and worldly life—and he is protected from all that he fears in both worlds.”
And Ibn al-Jawzi رحمه الله beautifully reminded:
“The one who humbles himself before Allah and begs for aafiyah is truly successful, for aafiyah is not granted unless it is asked for, and trials are inevitable. The intelligent person is always asking Allah for aafiyah to gain control over most of his affairs.”
Even Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه said:
“One who is granted aafiyah and shows gratitude is dearer to every wise heart than the one who is tested and remains patient.”
So seek it. Value it. Be grateful for it. And never stop asking for it.
Because if you have aafiyah… you have everything.