Bukhari

Hadith Commentary:
The conditions of the era will become so dire that people, distressed by life, will long for death.
They will wish, "If only we too had died and been buried in the grave, so that we would not have to witness these calamities and afflictions."
Some have said that this will occur when, near the Day of Judgment, tribulations will become widespread, and there will be fear of losing faith and religion, because those who mislead will be active from all sides.
The believers will be subdued; it is they who will harbor this wish. However, in the narration of Muslim, it is stated: "The world will not end until a person passes by a grave, rolls over it, and says, 'Would that I were in the place of the one in this grave,' and his saying this will not be due to any religious reason, but rather because of calamities and afflictions."
Ibn Mas'ud radi Allahu anhu said, "A time will come when, if death were something that could be bought, people would be ready to purchase it."

Hadith Commentary:
1.
Some individuals are of the opinion that when, near the end of times, there will be an abundance of tribulations and the danger of the loss of religion, then in such circumstances a person will desire all sorts of things. However, in one narration this is clarified, as the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“The world will not come to an end until a person passes by a grave and clings to it, saying, ‘Would that I were in the place of the occupant of this grave!’ And he will not say this out of any religious concern, but rather out of distress from worldly calamities and trials.”
(Sahih Muslim, Al-Fitan, Hadith: 7302(157))

2.
Abu Salamah says that I went to visit Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) to tend to him during his illness, and I made supplication:
“O Allah! Grant Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) healing.”
He said:
“Do not make such a supplication.
In such circumstances, if you are able to die, then die.
By Allah! A time will surely come upon the scholars when death will be more beloved to them than pure gold.
When a person passes by his brother’s grave, he will say:
‘Would that I were in his place.’”
(Al-Mustadrak lil-Hakim: 4/518)

Hadith Commentary:
Benefits and Issues:
Before the Day of Judgment, conditions will become so severe and distressing that people will begin to long for death in order to escape calamities and hardships. However, it is not permissible to wish for death merely to escape worldly afflictions and difficulties.

Benefits and Issues:
➊ In worldly difficulties, seeking help from Allah and striving to improve one's circumstances is the better approach.

➋ It is prohibited to wish for death because of worldly reasons.

➌ Concern for the preservation of religion should be greater than concern for worldly matters.

Hadith Authentication:
[واخرجه البخاري 7115، و مسلم 157/53 بعد ح290، من حديث مالك به]

Jurisprudential Points:
➊ As the Day of Judgment draws nearer, generally, the people who come later are worse and worse compared to those who have passed.
➋ It is not permissible to wish for death without a legitimate Shar‘i excuse, fear of falling into tribulation (fitnah), or severe grief and distress.
➌ There will be great tribulations (fitan) in the Ummah before the Day of Judgment.
➍ Allah Ta‘ala informed the Noble Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) of the unseen (ghayb) matters which he knew.
➎ One should, as much as possible, keep away from tribulations (fitan).
➏ At all times, one should adopt humility and modesty.
● Sayyidah Aishah (radi Allahu anha) said: «يا ليتني إذا متّ كنت نسيًا منسيًا۔» Alas! If only I were forgotten after my death. [كتاب المتمنين لابن ابي الدنيا ح27 وسنده صحيح، مصنف ابن ابي شيبه 13/359 ح34724 وسنده صحيح]
● Sayyidah Aishah (radi Allahu anha) further said: «يا ليتني كنت شجرة۔» Alas! If only I were a tree. [كتاب المتمنين : 28 وسنده حسن، مصنف ابن ابي شيبه 359/13 ح34725 و سنده حسن]
All these statements are to be understood as expressions of humility and modesty.
➐ The statement mentioned in the hadith is one of the signs of the Day of Judgment.
➑ By “grave” is meant the worldly grave itself.