One would ask for a long life to serve Islam. Without that service for Islam, life could turn into trouble for one. One might have a long life but end up in the depths of Hell as a result. An auspicious, long life is important. If that auspiciousness, those good deeds are lost, if one does not serve on the path of God, a long life would do him no good. A long life is important only to serve Islam. - Harun Yahya