Allahumma urzuqna al-‘afaaf wal-kafaaf wal-ghina ‘an an-naas Meaning

1. Meaning of “حسن الخاتمة” (Good End):

– It refers to dying in a state of faith, obedience to Allah, and with righteous deeds.

– A good end includes being free from major sins, having sincere repentance, and being surrounded by mercy and forgiveness at the time of death.

2. Why Muslims Pray for It:

– Life is uncertain, and death can come suddenly. A person’s final moments determine their eternal fate.

– Even a pious life can be ruined by a bad ending (e.g., losing faith or committing sins before death).

– Conversely, a sinner may repent at the last moment and be granted salvation.

3. Signs of a Good End (Based on Quran & Sunnah):

– Dying while performing a good deed (e.g., in prayer, charity, or Hajj).

– Uttering the Shahada (testimony of faith) before death.

– Being praised by righteous people after death.

– Dying on a Friday or in the month of Ramadan (as mentioned in Hadith).

4. How to Achieve It:

– Consistently obeying Allah and avoiding sins.

– Frequent repentance (Istighfar) and seeking Allah’s protection from a bad end.

– Performing good deeds regularly, as they lead to a blessed death.

– Making sincere dua (supplication) for a good ending, as the Prophet (ﷺ) taught.

5. Quranic & Hadith References:

– *”O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared and die not except in a state of Islam.”* (Quran 3:102)

– The Prophet (ﷺ) said: *”Allah accepts a servant’s repentance until the throes of death begin.”* (Tirmidhi)

6. Dangers of a Bad End:

– Dying upon disbelief, hypocrisy, or major sins leads to eternal loss.

– Sudden death without a chance to repent is a feared calamity.

Conclusion:

This dua reflects a Muslim’s awareness of life’s uncertainty and the importance of ending one’s life in righteousness. It is a plea for Allah’s mercy to seal one’s life with faith and goodness.