57–59]. Al-Tirmidhī also relates from Aisha, who said (1): “[I asked]: (2) ‘O Messenger of Allah, is it the man who commits fornication and steals, yet is afraid?’ He replied, ‘No, O daughter (3) of al-Siddīq. Rather, it is the man who prays (4), gives charity, and fears that it may not be accepted from him.’” (5)

As for the Rāfidī’s statement, “Is this not equivalent to the disbeliever’s words, ‘If only I were dust!’ [Surah al-Naba’: 40]?”—this is ignorance on his part. The disbeliever says this on the Day of Resurrection, when no repentance will be accepted and no good deed will be of any avail (6). But one who says such a thing in this world says it in the abode of deeds, out of reverent fear of Allah, and he will be rewarded for his fear of Allah.

Mary said:

“If only I had died before this and become a thing forgotten, utterly forgotten!” [Surah Maryam: 23].

This was not like wishing for death on the Day of Resurrection. Nor should it be likened to the words of the inhabitants of the Fire, as Allah reports them saying:

“They will cry, ‘O Mālik! Let your Lord put an end to us.’” [Surah al-Zukhruf: 77].

Likewise, He says:

“If the wrongdoers possessed all that is on earth, and as much again besides, they would offer it to ransom themselves from the terrible punishment on the Day of Resurrection. And there will appear to them from Allah what they had never expected.”