Thursday 24 November 2011

The meaning of thinking about going for jihaad, and combining da’wah and jihaad

 

Assalaau Alaykum,

My dear respected Shaikh,

I am an undergraduate student studiying in the field of Computer Engineering in University of (.....). InshaAllah I will be graduating next year. Alhamdulillah I am married and expecting a kid very soon, InshaAllah. Alhamdulillah I make efforts to gain knowledge and implement it upon the way of Salaf-us-Salih and I know this is the right way. But there is one thing I do not reallyunderstand: that is the issue of Jihaad. InshaAllah please do clarify this for me in the following context:

1. My obligation with regards to Jihaad

2. The meaning of the Hadith: Whoever dies and did not fight in battle, nor did he have the sincere wish to fight in battle, dies on a branch of hypocrisy.” [Muslim]

3. How do I prepare for Jihaad.

4. How should I weigh the affair between gaining knowledge, Da'waf and Jihaad.

I would also like to know what the major Ulama say with regards to this.

Jazakallahu Khairan.



Praise be to Allaah.



Imaam Muslim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in his Saheeh: “Chapter: Condemnation of the one who dies without having gone out for jihaad or having thought of doing so.” Then he quoted the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: «Whoever dies without having gone out for jihaad or having thought of doing so, dies on a branch of hypocrisy»” [Saheeh Muslim, 3533].



Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “What is meant is that the one who does this is behaving, in this regard, like the hypocrites who stay behind and do not go out for jihaad, because not engaging in jihaad is one of the branches of hypocrisy. This hadeeth also indicates that the one who intended to do an act of worship but died before he could do it is not to be condemned to the same extent as one who died without any such intention.”



Al-Sindi said, in his footnotes to Sunan al-Nisaa'i: “ ‘… without having thought of [it]…’ means without having said to himself, ‘I wish I could go out for jihaad.’ Or it could mean that he did not intend to go out for jihaad, and the sign of intending to go out for jihaad is preparing equipment. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): ‘And if they had intended to march out, certainly they would have made some preparation for it…” [al-Tawbah 9:46]. { وَلَوْ أَرَادُواْ الْخُرُوجَ لأَعَدُّواْ لَهُ عُدَّةً} Transliteration: Wa Law 'Arādū Al-Khurūja La'a`addū Lahu `Uddatan ”



A person can prepare himself for jihaad in many ways, such as:

- Learning the virtues of jihaad and the rulings concerning it;



- preparing oneself with different kinds of acts of worship;



- training oneself to make sacrifices;



- forcing oneself to prefer others to oneself;



- spending for the sake of Allaah;



- studying and reading the biographies of mujaahideen and heroes of Islam;



- studying Islamic battles;



- constantly telling oneself that if jihaad is established and one has the means and is able to go for jihaad, there is no choice but to enlist;



- knowing how sinful it is to run away from the battlefield or flee before the kuffaar;



- studying the Seerah (biography) of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) during both the Makkan and Madani periods, and studying his battles and campaigns, to see how he conducted the jihaad in the context of his own circumstances, what he started with and how he prepared himself;



- understanding that jihaad has to go through stages, beginning with the nearest enemy, until one reaches the stage of being able to fight all the mushrikeen;



- being aware of the movements of hypocrisy;



- waging jihaad on four fronts – against one’s own nafs or base self, against the Shaytaan, against the kuffaar and against the hypocrites;



- understanding the importance of waging jihaad with one’s wealth as well as with one’s self.



Know, my brother, that it is not difficult to combine jihaad with da’wah, because each of them has its own time and place. When the mujaahideen were waging their conquests, they used to call people to Allaah before the battle started. When they conquered a country, they would call its people to Islam and teach them the religion. When there was no battle or jihaad going on, the doors of da’wah were still wide open, and they would make da’wah to their wives, children, relatives, neighbours and all people, Muslim and non-Muslim, calling them with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and arguing with them in a way that is better. May Allaah help us and you to do that which He loves and which pleases Him. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.





Benefits of believers’ trials

 

Q: Why does Allaah burden the believers who do many acts of worship with sickness and other trials, when the sinners are enjoying all the good things in life?



A: Praise be to Allaah.



This question may be asked in two ways, either as an objection or as a quest for understanding. If it is asked as an objection, then it is an indication of the questioner’s ignorance. For the wisdom of Allaah is too great for our minds to comprehend. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And they ask you (O Muhammad) concerning the Rooh (the spirit). Say: The Rooh (the spirit) is one of the things, the knowledge of which is only with my Lord. And of knowledge, you (mankind) have been given only a little” [al-Isra’ 17:85].

{وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الرُّوحِ قُلِ الرُّوحُ مِنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّي وَمَا أُوتِيتُم مِّن الْعِلْمِ إِلاَّ قَلِيلاً}

Transliteration: Wa Yas'alūnaka `Ani Ar-Rūĥi Quli Ar-Rūĥu Min 'Amri Rabbī Wa Mā 'Ūtītum Mina Al-`Ilmi 'Illā Qalīlāan



This spirit is something which is within us and is the very essence of our lives, but we do not know it and the philosophers and thinkers are unable to define and describe it. If we are unable to know anything about this spirit, which is the closest thing in creation to us, apart from that which has been described in the Qur’aan and Sunnah, then what do you think about other matters beyond that? Allaah is Most Wise, Most Great, Most Majestic and Most Powerful, and we must submit to His will and decree with full submission, because we are unable to comprehend the ultimate goals of His wisdom. On this basis, the answer to the question is that we should say: Allaah knows best and He is Most Wise, Most Powerful and Most Great.



If the question is asked as a quest for understanding, then we would tell this questioner: the believer is subjected to tests and Allaah’s testing him by means of things that may harm or hurt him brings two great benefits. The first benefit is that Allaah tests this man with regard to his faith, to see whether his faith is sincere or shaky. The believer whose faith is sincere will patiently accept the will and decree of Allaah, and will seek reward from Him. In this case the matter becomes bearable for him. It was narrated that one of the female worshippers of Allaah suffered a cut or wound in her finger, but she did not complain about the pain or show any sign of distress. She was asked about that and she said: The sweetness of its reward makes me forget the bitterness of bearing it. The believer seeks reward from Allaah and submits to Him completely. This is one benefit.



With regard to the second benefit, Allaah highly praises those who are patient and says that He is with them and that He will give them reward without measure. Patience is a high status which can only be attained by those who are tested with things that they bear patiently. If he bears them patiently, he attains this high status which brings great reward. So when Allaah tests the believers with things that hurt them, that is so that they may attain the status of those who are patient. Hence the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), who was the greatest of all people in faith, piety and fear of Allaah, suffered twice the pain of an ordinary man when he fell sick, and he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) suffered greatly at the time of death, so that he might fully attain the status of one who is patient, for he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was the most patient of those who are patient. Hence the wisdom behind Allaah’s testing of the believer with such calamities becomes clear.



With regard to His giving the sinners, evildoers, immoral people and kaafirs good health and plentiful provision, this is in order to let them get carried away (with their sin, and then punish them severely later on). It was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “This world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the kaafir. They are given these good things so that they have their good things sooner, in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will get what they deserve of punishment. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“On the Day when those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allaah Islamic Monotheism) will be exposed to the Fire (it will be said): “You received your good things in the life of the world, and you took your pleasure therein. Now this Day you shall be recompensed with a torment of humiliation, because you were arrogant in the land without a right, and because you used to rebel against Allaah’s Command (disobey Allaah)” [al-Ahqaaf 46:20].

{وَيَوْمَ يُعْرَضُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا عَلَى النَّارِ أَذْهَبْتُمْ طَيِّبَاتِكُمْ فِي حَيَاتِكُمُ الدُّنْيَا وَاسْتَمْتَعْتُم بِهَا فَالْيَوْمَ تُجْزَوْنَ عَذَابَ الْهُونِ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَسْتَكْبِرُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ وَبِمَا كُنتُمْ تَفْسُقُونَ}

Transliteration: Wa Yawma Yu`rađu Al-Ladhīna Kafarū `Alá An-Nāri 'Adh/habtum Ţayyibātikum Fī Ĥayātikumu Ad-Dunyā Wa Astamta`tum Bihā Fālyawma Tujzawna `Adhāba Al-Hūni Bimā Kuntum Tastakbirūna Fī Al-'Arđi Bighayri Al-Ĥaqqi Wa Bimā Kuntum Tafsuqūna



The point is that this world is for the kaafirs to get carried away in, then when they move to the Hereafter and leave the life of this world in which they found pleasure, they will encounter torment – we seek refuge with Allaah. The punishment will be so much harder for them because they will suffer greatly, and because at the same time they will have lost the delights and luxuries of this world which they loved so much.



There is a third benefit which we may add to the first two, which the believer will get from sickness and problems, for the believer will move to a realm that is better than this world, for he will move from something that hurts him and causes him pain to something that will bring him happiness and joy. So his joy at the delight to which he has come will be multiplied, because he has attained joy, and the pain and difficulties that he was facing will have ceased.


A Description of Hellfire (part 1 of 5)

 

An Introduction



Islam teaches that Hell is a real place prepared by God for those who do not believe in Him, rebel against His laws, and reject His messengers. Hell is an actual place, not a mere state of mind or a spiritual entity. The horrors, pain, anguish, and punishment are all real, but different in nature than their earthly counterparts. Hell is the ultimate humiliation and loss, and nothing is worse than it:



{Our Lord! Surely, whom You admit to the Fire, indeed You have disgraced him, and never will the wrongdoers find any helpers.} [Quran 3:192]



{رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ مَن تُدْخِلِ النَّارَ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَهُ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ} [آل عمران:١٩٢]

Transliteration: Rabbanā 'Innaka Man Tudkhili An-Nāra Faqad 'Akhzaytahu Wa Mā Lilžžālimīna Min 'Anşārin



{Know they not that whoever opposes God and His Messenger (Muhammad), certainly for him will be the Fire of Hell to abide therein? That is the extreme disgrace.} [Quran 9:63]



{أَلَمْ يَعْلَمُوا أَنَّهُ مَن يُحَادِدِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَأَنَّ لَهُ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدًا فِيهَا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الْخِزْيُ الْعَظِيمُ} [التوبة:٦٣]

Transliteration: 'Alam Ya`lamū 'Annahu Man Yuĥādidi Allāha Wa Rasūlahu Fa'anna Lahu Nāra Jahannama Khālidāan Fīhā Dhālika Al-Khizyu Al-`Ažīmu



The Names of Hell



Hell Fire has different names in Islamic texts. Each name gives a separate description. Some of its names are:



Jaheem – fire - because of its blazing fire.



Jahannam - Hell - because of the depth of its pit.



Ladthaa - blazing fire - because of its flames.



Sa’eer - blazing flame - because it is kindled and ignited.



Saqar - because of the intensity of its heat.



Hatamah - broken pieces or debris - because it breaks and crushes everything that is thrown into it.



Haawiyah - chasm or abyss - because the one who is thrown into it is thrown from top to bottom



Paradise and Hell Presently Exist and are Eternal



Hell exists at the present time and will continue to exist forever. It will never die down, and its inhabitants will remain in it forever. No one will come out of Hell except sinful believers who believed in the Oneness of God in this life and believed in the specific prophet sent to them (before the coming of Muhammad). The polytheists and unbelievers will reside in it forever. This belief has been held from classical times and is based on clear verses of the Quran and confirmed reports from the Prophet of Islam. The Quran speaks of Hell in the past tense and states that it has already been created:



{And fear the Fire which is prepared for the disbelievers.} [Quran 3:131]



{وَاتَّقُوا النَّارَ الَّتِي أُعِدَّتْ لِلْكَافِرِينَ} [البقرة:١٣١]

Transliteration: Wa Attaqū An-Nāra Allatī 'U`iddat Lilkāfirīna



The Prophet of Islam said:



«When any of you dies, he is shown his position (in the Hereafter) morning and evening. If he is one of the people of Paradise, he is shown the place of the people of Paradise. If he is one of the people of Hell, he is shown the place of people of Hell. He is told, ‘this is your position, until God resurrects you on the Day of Resurrection.» [Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim]



In another report, the Prophet said:



«Surely, the soul of a believer is a bird hanging on the trees of Paradise, until God returns it to his body on the Day of Resurrection.» [Muwatta of Malik]



These texts make it clear that Hell and Paradise exist, and that souls may enter them before the Day of Resurrection. Speaking of Hell’s eternity, God says:



{They will long to leave the Fire, but never will they leave there from; and theirs will be a lasting torment.} [Quran 5:37]



{يُرِيدُونَ أَن يَخْرُجُوا مِنَ النَّارِ وَمَا هُم بِخَارِجِينَ مِنْهَا ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ مُّقِيمٌ} [المائدة:٣٧]

Transliteration: Yurīdūna 'An Yakhrujū Mina An-Nāri Wa Mā Hum Bikhārijīna Minhā Wa Lahum `Adhābun Muqīmun



{…And they will never leave of the Fire.} [Quran 2:167]



{...وَمَا هُم بِخَارِجِينَ مِنَ النَّارِ} [البقرة:١٦٧]

Transliteration: Wa Mā Hum Bikhārijīna Mina An-Nāri



{Surely, those who disbelieve and did wrong; God will not forgive them, nor will He guide them to any way except the way of Hell, to dwell therein forever.} [Quran 4:168-169]



{إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَظَلَمُوا لَمْ يَكُنِ اللَّهُ لِيَغْفِرَ لَهُمْ وَلَا لِيَهْدِيَهُمْ طَرِيقًا ﴿١٦٨﴾ إِلَّا طَرِيقَ جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا} [النساء:168-١٦٩]

Transliteration: 'Inna Al-Ladhīna Kafarū Wa Žalamū Lam Yakuni Allāhu Liyaghfira Lahum Wa Lā Liyahdiyahum Ţarīqāan (168) 'Illā Ţarīqa Jahannama Khālidīna Fīhā 'Abadāan



{Surely, God has cursed the disbelievers, and has prepared for them a flaming Fire wherein they will abide for ever.} [Quran 33:64]



{إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَعَنَ الْكَافِرِينَ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ سَعِيرًا} [الأحزاب:٦٤]

Transliteration: 'Inna Allāha La`ana Al-Kāfirīna Wa 'A`adda Lahum Sa`īrāan



{And whosoever disobeys God and His Messenger, then surely, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.} [Quran 72:23]



{وَمَن يَعْصِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَإِنَّ لَهُ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا} [الجن:٢٣]

Transliteration: Wa Man Ya`şi Allāha Wa Rasūlahu Fa'inna Lahu Nāra Jahannama Khālidīna Fīhā 'Abadāan



The Keepers of Hell



Mighty and stern angels stand over Hell who never disobey God. They do precisely as ordered. God says:



{O you who believe, save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is men and stones over which are (appointed) angels, stern and severe, who flinch not (from executing) the commands they receive from God, but do (precisely what) they are commanded.} [Quran 66:6]



{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَائِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعْصُونَ اللَّهَ مَا أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ} [التحريم:٦]

Transliteration: Yā 'Ayyuhā Al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū Qū 'Anfusakum Wa 'Ahlīkum Nārāan Waqūduhā An-Nāsu Wa Al-Ĥijāratu `Alayhā Malā'ikatun Ghilāžun Shidādun Lā Ya`şūna Allāha Mā 'Amarahum Wa Yaf`alūna Mā Yu'umarūna





They are nineteen keepers of Hell as God says:



{Soon I will cast him into Hell Fire. And what will explain to you what is Hellfire? Nothing does it allow to endure, and nothing does it leave alone! Darkening and changing the color of man! Over it are nineteen (angels as keepers of Hell).} [Quran 74:26-30]



{سَأُصْلِيهِ سَقَرَ ﴿٢٦﴾ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا سَقَرُ ﴿٢٧﴾ لَا تُبْقِي وَلَا تَذَرُ ﴿٢٨﴾ لَوَّاحَةٌ لِّلْبَشَرِ ﴿٢٩﴾ عَلَيْهَا تِسْعَةَ عَشَرَ} [المدثر:26- ٣٠]

Transliteration: Sa'uşlīhi Saqara(36) Wa Mā 'Adrāka Mā Saqaru(27) Lā Tubqī Wa Lā Tadharu(28) Lawwāĥatun Lilbashari(29)`Alayhā Tis`ata `Ashara





One should not think that the inhabitants of Hell will be able to overcome the keepers of Hell because there are just nineteen of them. Everyone of them has the strength to subdue all humanity by himself. These angels are called the Guards of Hell by God in the Quran:



{And those in the Fire will say to the Guards of Hell, ‘Call upon your Lord to lighten for us the torment for a day!’} [Quran 40:49]



{وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ فِي النَّارِ لِخَزَنَةِ جَهَنَّمَ ادْعُوا رَبَّكُمْ يُخَفِّفْ عَنَّا يَوْمًا مِّنَ الْعَذَابِ} [غافر:٤٩]

Transliteration: Wa Qāla Al-Ladhīna Fī An-Nāri Likhazanati Jahannama Ad`ū Rabbakum Yukhaffif `Annā Yawmāan Mina Al-`Adhābi



The name of the chief angel guarding over Hell is Malik, as mentioned in the Quran:



{Surely, the disbelievers will be in the torment of Hell to abide therein forever. (The torment) will not be lightened for them, and they will be plunged into destruction with deep regrets, sorrows and in despair therein. We wronged them not, but they were the wrongdoers. And they will cry: ‘O Malik! Let your Lord make an end of us’ He will say: ‘Surely, you shall abide forever.’ Indeed We have brought the truth to you, but most of you have a hatred for the truth} [Quran 43:74-78]



{إِنَّ الْمُجْرِمِينَ فِي عَذَابِ جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدُونَ ﴿٧٤﴾ لَا يُفَتَّرُ عَنْهُمْ وَهُمْ فِيهِ مُبْلِسُونَ ﴿٧٥﴾ وَمَا ظَلَمْنَاهُمْ وَلَٰكِن كَانُوا هُمُ الظَّالِمِينَ ﴿٧٦﴾ وَنَادَوْا يَا مَالِكُ لِيَقْضِ عَلَيْنَا رَبُّكَ ۖ قَالَ إِنَّكُم مَّاكِثُونَ ﴿٧٧﴾ لَقَدْ جِئْنَاكُم بِالْحَقِّ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَكُمْ لِلْحَقِّ كَارِهُونَ} [الزخرف:74-٧٨]

Transliteration: 'Inna Al-Mujrimīna Fī `Adhābi Jahannama Khālidūn(74) Lā Yufattaru `Anhum Wa Hum Fīhi Mublisūna(75) Wa Mā Žalamnāhum Wa Lakin Kānū Humu Až-Žālimīna(76) Wa Nādaw Yā Māliku Liyaqđi `Alaynā Rabbuka Qāla 'Innakum Mākithūna(77) Laqad Ji'nākum Bil-Ĥaqqi Wa Lakinna 'Aktharakum Lilĥaqqi Kārihūna




A Description of Hellfire (part 2 of 5)

IslamWay Radio

Its Appearance



Its Location



There is no exact mention from the Quran or the sayings of Prophet Muhammad which pinpoint the location of Hell. No one knows its exact place except God. Due to some linguistic evidence and context of certain hadeeth, some scholars have stated that Hell is in the heavens, yet others say it is in the lower earth.



Its Size



Hell is huge and immensely deep. We know this through several ways.



First, innumerable people will enter Hell, each, as described in a hadeeth, with the molar teeth as large as Uhud (a mountain in Medina)[1] The distance between the shoulders of its inhabitants has also been described as being equivalent to three days of walking.[2] Hell will house all the unbelievers and sinners from the beginning of time and there will still be room for more. God says:



{On the Day when We will say to Hell: ‘Are you filled?’ It will say, ‘Are there any more (to come)?’} [Quran 50:30]



{يَوْمَ نَقُولُ لِجَهَنَّمَ هَلِ امْتَلَأْتِ وَتَقُولُ هَلْ مِن مَّزِيدٍ} [ق:٣٠]

Transliteration: Yawma Naqūlu Lijahannama Hal Amtala'ti Wa Taqūlu Hal Min Mazīdin





The Fire of Hell is likened to a mill that grinds thousands and thousands of tons of grain and then waits for more to come.



Second, a stone thrown from the top of Hell will take a very long time to reach the bottom. One of the companions of the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, describes how they were sitting with the Prophet and heard the sound of something falling. The Prophet inquired if they knew what it was. When they expressed their lack of knowledge, he said:



That was a stone thrown into Hell seventy years ago and it is yet in the way (the other « side) of Hell until now.» [3]



Another report states:



«If a stone as big as seven pregnant camels was thrown from the edge of Hell, it would fly through it for seventy years, and yet it would not reach the bottom.» [4]



Third, a great many angels will bring Hell on the Day of Resurrection. God speaks of it:



{And Hell will be brought near that Day…} [Quran 89:23]



{وَجِيءَ يَوْمَئِذٍ بِجَهَنَّمَ...} [الفجر: ٢٣]

Transliteration: Wa Jī'a Yawma'idhin Bijahannama





The Prophet said:



«Hell will be brought forth that Day by means of seventy thousand ropes, each of which will be held by seventy thousand angels.» [5]



Fourth, another report that indicates the vast size of Hell is that the sun and moon will be rolled up in Hell on the Day of Resurrection.[6]



Its Levels



Hell has various levels of heat and punishment, each is reserved according to the extent of their disbelief and sins of those being punished. God says:



{Surely, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths (grade) of the Fire.} [Quran 4:145]



{إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ فِي الدَّرْكِ الْأَسْفَلِ مِنَ النَّارِ} [النساء:١٤٥]

Transliteration: 'Inna Al-Munāfiqīna Fī Ad-Darki Al-'Asfali Mina An-Nāri





The lower the level of Hell, the greater is the intensity of heat. Since the hypocrites will suffer the worst punishment, so will they be in the lowest part of Hell.



God refers to the levels of Hell in the Quran:



{For all will be (ranked) by degrees according to what they did.} [Quran 6:132]



{وَلِكُلٍّ دَرَجَاتٌ مِّمَّا عَمِلُوا} [الأنعام:١٣٢]

Transliteration: Wa Likullin Darajātun Mimmā `Amilū





{Is one who seeks the good pleasure of God then like the one who draws on himself the wrath of God? His abode is Hell – and worst, indeed, is that destination! They are in varying grades with God, and God is All-Seer of what they do.} [Quran 3:162-163]



{أَفَمَنِ اتَّبَعَ رِضْوَانَ اللَّهِ كَمَن بَاءَ بِسَخَطٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَمَأْوَاهُ جَهَنَّمُ ۚ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ ﴿١٦٢﴾ هُمْ دَرَجَاتٌ عِندَ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بَصِيرٌ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ} [آل عمران: ١٦٣]

Transliteration: 'Afamani Attaba`a Riđwāna Allāhi Kaman Bā'a Bisakhaţin Mina Allāhi Wa Ma'wāhu Jahannamu Wa Bi'sa Al-Maşīru (162) Hum Darajātun `Inda Allāhi Wa Allāhu Başīrun Bimā Ya`malūna





The Gates of Hell



God speaks of seven Gates of Hell in the Quran:



{And surely, Hell is the promised place for them all. It has seven gates, for each of these gates is a class of sinners assigned.} [Quran 15:43-44)]



{وَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ لَمَوْعِدُهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ ﴿٤٣﴾ لَهَا سَبْعَةُ أَبْوَابٍ لِّكُلِّ بَابٍ مِّنْهُمْ جُزْءٌ مَّقْسُومٌ} [الحجر:43-٤٤]

Transliteration: Wa 'Inna Jahannama Lamaw`iduhum 'Ajma`īna(43) Lahā Sab`atu 'Abwābin Likulli Bābin Minhum Juz'un Maqsūmun





Each gate has an allotted share of the damned who will enter through it. Each will enter according to his deeds and assigned a level of Hell accordingly. When the unbelievers are brought to Hell, its gates will open, they will enter it, and stay in it forever:



{And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups until, when they reach it, its gates are opened and its keepers will say, ‘Did there not come to you messengers from yourselves, reciting to you the verses of your Lord and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?’ They will say, ‘Yes, but the word (meaning the decree) of punishment has come into effect upon the disbelievers.’} [Quran 39:71]



{وَسِيقَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَىٰ جَهَنَّمَ زُمَرًا ۖ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا جَاءُوهَا فُتِحَتْ أَبْوَابُهَا وَقَالَ لَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَا أَلَمْ يَأْتِكُمْ رُسُلٌ مِّنكُمْ يَتْلُونَ عَلَيْكُمْ آيَاتِ رَبِّكُمْ وَيُنذِرُونَكُمْ لِقَاءَ يَوْمِكُمْ هَٰذَا ۚ قَالُوا بَلَىٰ وَلَٰكِنْ حَقَّتْ كَلِمَةُ الْعَذَابِ عَلَى الْكَافِرِينَ} [الزمر:٧١]

Transliteration: Wa Sīqa Al-Ladhīna Kafarū 'Ilá Jahannama Zumarāan Ĥattá 'Idhā Jā'ūhā Futiĥat 'Abwābuhā Wa Qāla Lahum Khazanatuhā 'Alam Ya'tikum Rusulun Minkum Yatlūna `Alaykum 'Āyāti Rabbikum Wa Yundhirūnakum Liqā'a Yawmikum Hādhā Qālū Balá Wa Lakin Ĥaqqat Kalimatu Al-`Adhābi `Alá Al-Kāfirīna





They will be told after admission:



{Enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein, and wretched is the residence of the arrogant.} [Quran 39:72]



{قِيلَ ادْخُلُوا أَبْوَابَ جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا ۖ فَبِئْسَ مَثْوَى الْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ} [الزمر: ٧٢]

Transliteration: Qīla Adkhulū 'Abwāba Jahannama Khālidīna Fīhā Fabi'sa Mathwá Al-Mutakabbirīna





The gates will be shut and there will be no hope of escape as God says:



{But those who reject Our signs, they are the companions of the left hand. On them will be Fire vaulted over (meaning the gates will be locked).[7]} ]Quran 90:19-20[



{وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِنَا هُمْ أَصْحَابُ الْمَشْأَمَةِ ﴿١٩﴾ عَلَيْهِمْ نَارٌ مُّؤْصَدَةٌ} [البلد:19-٢٠]

Transliteration: Wa Al-Ladhīna Kafarū Bi'āyātinā Hum 'Aşĥābu Al-Mash'amahi (19)`Alayhim Nārun Mu'uşadahun



Furthermore, God says in the Quran:



{Woe to every scorner and mocker, who collects wealth and (continuously) counts it. He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal. No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher. And what can make you know what is the Crushers? It is the fire of God, (eternally) fueled, Which mounts directed at the hearts. Indeed, it (Hellfire) will be closed down upon them in extended columns.} [Quran 104:1-9]



{وَيْلٌ لِّكُلِّ هُمَزَةٍ لُّمَزَةٍ ﴿١﴾ الَّذِي جَمَعَ مَالًا وَعَدَّدَهُ ﴿٢﴾ يَحْسَبُ أَنَّ مَالَهُ أَخْلَدَهُ ﴿٣﴾ كَلَّا ۖ لَيُنبَذَنَّ فِي الْحُطَمَةِ ﴿٤﴾ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا الْحُطَمَةُ ﴿٥﴾ نَارُ اللَّهِ الْمُوقَدَةُ ﴿٦﴾ الَّتِي تَطَّلِعُ عَلَى الْأَفْئِدَةِ ﴿٧﴾ إِنَّهَا عَلَيْهِم مُّؤْصَدَةٌ ﴿٨﴾ فِي عَمَدٍ مُّمَدَّدَةٍ} [الهمزة:1- ٩]

Transliteration: Waylun Likulli Humazatin Lumazahin(1) Al-Ladhī Jama`a Mālāan Wa `Addadahu (2) Yaĥsabu 'Anna Mālahu 'Akhladahu (3) Kallā Layunbadhanna Fī Al-Ĥuţamahi(4)Wa Mā 'Adrāka Mā Al-Ĥuţamahu (5) Nāru Allāhi Al-Mūqadahu (6)Allatī Taţţali`u `Alá Al-'Af'idahi (7) 'Innahā `Alayhim Mu'uşadahun (8) Fī `Amadin Mumaddadahin





The gates of Hell are also closed before the Day of Judgment. The Prophet of Islam spoke of them closing in the month of Ramadan.[8]



Its Fuel



Stones and stubborn unbelievers make the fuel of Hell as God says:



{O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones...} [Quran 66:6]



{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ ...} [التحريم:٦]

Transliteration: Yā 'Ayyuhā Al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū Qū 'Anfusakum Wa 'Ahlīkum Nārāan Waqūduhā An-Nāsu Wa Al-Ĥijāratu...





{…then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.} ]Quran 2:24[



{... فَاتَّقُوا النَّارَ الَّتِي وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ ۖ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْكَافِرِينَ} [البقرة:٢٤]

Transliteration: ... Fa Attaqū An-Nāra Allatī Waqūduhā An-Nāsu Wa Al-Ĥijāratu 'U`iddat Lilkāfirīna





Another source of fuel for Hell will be the pagan gods that were worshipped besides God:



{Indeed, you (disbelievers) and what you worship other than God are the firewood of Hell. You will be coming to (enter) it. Had these (false deities) been (actual) gods, they would not have come to it, but all are eternal therein.} [Quran 21:98-99]



{إِنَّكُمْ وَمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ حَصَبُ جَهَنَّمَ أَنتُمْ لَهَا وَارِدُونَ ﴿٩٨﴾ لَوْ كَانَ هَٰؤُلَاءِ آلِهَةً مَّا وَرَدُوهَا ۖ وَكُلٌّ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ} [الأنبياء:٩٩]

Transliteration: 'Innakum Wa Mā Ta`budūna Min Dūni Allāhi Ĥaşabu Jahannama 'Antum Lahā Wa Aridūna (98) Law Kāna Hā'uulā' 'Ālihatan Mā Waradūhā Wa Kullun Fīhā Khālidūna



The Clothing of its Inhabitants



God tells us that the dress of the people of Hell will be garments of fire tailored for them:



{…But those who disbelieved will have cut out for them garments of fire. Poured upon their heads will be scalding water.} [Quran 22:19]



{...فَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا قُطِّعَتْ لَهُمْ ثِيَابٌ مِّن نَّارٍ يُصَبُّ مِن فَوْقِ رُءُوسِهِمُ الْحَمِيمُ} [الفجر:١٩]

Transliteration: ... Fa-Al-Ladhīna Kafarū Quţţi`at Lahum Thiyābun Min Nārin Yuşabbu Min Fawqi Ru'ūsihimu Al-Ĥamīmu





{And you will see the criminals that Day bound together in shackles, their garments of liquid pitch (melted copper) and their faces covered by the Fire.} [Quran 14:49-50]



{وَتَرَى الْمُجْرِمِينَ يَوْمَئِذٍ مُّقَرَّنِينَ فِي الْأَصْفَادِ ﴿٤٩﴾ سَرَابِيلُهُم مِّن قَطِرَانٍ وَتَغْشَىٰ وُجُوهَهُمُ النَّارُ} [إبراهيم:49-٥٠]

Transliteration: Wa Tará Al-Mujrimīna Yawma'idhin Muqarranīna Fī Al-'Aşfādi(49) Sarābīluhum Min Qaţirānin Wa Taghshá Wujūhahumu An-Nāru



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Footnotes:

[1] Saheeh Muslim



[2] Saheeh Muslim



[3] Mishkat



[4] Sahih al-Jami’



[5] Saheeh Muslim



[6] Tahawi in Mushkal al-Aathaar, Bazzar, Baihaqi, and others.



[7] Based on the explanation of Ibn Abbas (‘Tafsir Ibn Kathir’).



[8] Tirmidhi.


A Description of Hellfire (part 3 of 5)

 

Its Food and Drink





The intense heat, food, and drink of the people of Hell is described in Islamic religious sources.



Its Heat



God says:



{And the companions of the left – what are the companions of the left? (They will be) in scorching fire and scalding water and a shade of black smoke, neither cool nor beneficial.} [Quran 56:41-44]



{وَأَصْحَابُ الشِّمَالِ مَا أَصْحَابُ الشِّمَالِ ﴿٤١﴾ فِي سَمُومٍ وَحَمِيمٍ ﴿٤٢﴾ وَظِلٍّ مِّن يَحْمُومٍ ﴿٤٣﴾ لَّا بَارِدٍ وَلَا كَرِيمٍ} [الواقعة:41-٤٤]

Transliteration: Wa 'Aşĥābu Ash-Shimāli Mā 'Aşĥābu Ash-Shimāli(41) Fī Samūmin Wa Ĥamīmin(42) Wa Žillin Min Yaĥmūmin(43) Lā Bāridin Wa Lā Karīmin





Everything people use to cool down in this world – air, water, shade – will be useless in Hell. The air of Hell will be hot wind and the water will be boiling. The shade will not be comforting or cooling, the shade in Hell will be the shadow of black smoke as mentioned in the verse:



{And shadow of black smoke.} [Quran 56:43]



{وَظِلٍّ مِّن يَحْمُومٍ} [الواقعة:٤٣]

Transliteration: Wa Žillin Min Yaĥmūmin





In another passage, God says:



{But he whose balance (of good deeds) will be light, will have his home in a (bottomless) pit. And what will explain to you what this is? (It is) a Fire blazing fiercely.} [Quran 101:8-11]



{وَأَمَّا مَنْ خَفَّتْ مَوَازِينُهُ ﴿٨﴾ فَأُمُّهُ هَاوِيَةٌ ﴿٩﴾ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا هِيَهْ ﴿١٠﴾ نَارٌ حَامِيَةٌ} [القارعة:8-١١]

Transliteration: Wa 'Ammā Man Khaffat Mawāzīnuhu(8) Fa'ummuhu Hāwiyahun (9) Wa Mā 'Adrāka Mā Hiyah (10) Nārun Ĥāmiyahun





God describes how the shade of Hell’s smoke will rise above the Fire. The smoke that rises from Hell will be divided into three columns. Its shade will neither cool nor offer any protection from the raging Fire. The flying sparks will be like huge castles similar to string of marching yellow camels:



{Proceed to a shadow (of smoke) having three columns (but having) no cool shade and availing not against the flame. Indeed, it throws sparks (as huge) as a fortress, as if they were yellow camels (marching swiftly).} [Quran 77:30-33]



{انطَلِقُوا إِلَىٰ ظِلٍّ ذِي ثَلَاثِ شُعَبٍ ﴿٣٠﴾ لَّا ظَلِيلٍ وَلَا يُغْنِي مِنَ اللَّهَبِ ﴿٣١﴾ إِنَّهَا تَرْمِي بِشَرَرٍ كَالْقَصْرِ ﴿٣٢﴾ كَأَنَّهُ جِمَالَتٌ صُفْرٌ} [المرسلات:30-٣٣]

Transliteration: Anţaliqū 'Ilá Žillin Dhī Thalāthi Shu`abin(30) Lā Žalīlin Wa Lā Yughnī Mina Al-Lahabi(31) 'Innahā Tarmī Bishararin Kālqaşri(32) Ka'annahu Jimālatun Şufrun





The Fire consumes everything, leaving nothing untouched. It burns skin reaching all the way to the bones, melting the contents of the stomach, leaping up to the hearts, and exposing the vital organs. God speaks of the intensity and affect of the Fire:



{I will drive him into Hellfire. And what can make you know what is Hellfire? It lets nothing remain and leaves nothing (unburned), altering the skins.} [Quran 74:26-29]



{سَأُصْلِيهِ سَقَرَ ﴿٢٦﴾ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا سَقَرُ ﴿٢٧﴾ لَا تُبْقِي وَلَا تَذَرُ ﴿٢٨﴾ لَوَّاحَةٌ لِّلْبَشَرِ} [المدثر:26-٢٩]

Transliteration: Sa'uşlīhi Saqara(26) Wa Mā 'Adrāka Mā Saqaru(27) Lā Tubqī Wa Lā Tadharu(28) Lawwāĥatun Lilbashari





The Prophet of Islam said:



«Fire as we know it is one seventieth part of the Fire of Hell. Someone said, ‘O Messenger of God, it is enough as it is!’ He said, ‘It is as if sixty-nine equal portions were added to fire as we know it.’» [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]



The Fire never extinguishes:



{So taste you (the results of your evil deeds). No increase shall We give you except in torment.} [Quran 78:30]



{فَذُوقُوا فَلَن نَّزِيدَكُمْ إِلَّا عَذَابًا} [النبأ:٣٠]

Transliteration: Fadhūqū Falan Nazīdakum 'Illā `Adhābāan



{…Whenever it abates, We shall increase for them the fierceness of the Fire.} [Quran 17:97]



{... كُلَّمَا خَبَتْ زِدْنَاهُمْ سَعِيرًا} [الإسراء:٩٧]

Transliteration: ... Kullamā Khabat Zidnāhum Sa`īrāan



The torment will never be reduced and the unbelievers will not have any break:



{…Their torment shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.} [Quran 2:86]



{... فَلَا يُخَفَّفُ عَنْهُمُ الْعَذَابُ وَلَا هُمْ يُنصَرُونَ} [البقرة:٨٦]

Transliteration: ... Falā Yukhaffafu `Anhumu Al-`Adhābu Wa Lā Hum Yunşarūna





The Food of its Inhabitants



The food of the people of Hell is described in the Quran. God says:



{No food will there be for them except from a bitter, thorny plant which neither nourishes nor avails against hunger.} [Quran 88:6-7]



{لَّيْسَ لَهُمْ طَعَامٌ إِلَّا مِن ضَرِيعٍ ﴿٦﴾ لَّا يُسْمِنُ وَلَا يُغْنِي مِن جُوعٍ} [الغاشية:6-٧]

Transliteration: Laysa Lahum Ţa`āmun 'Illā Min Đarī`in(6) Lā Yusminu Wa Lā Yughnī Min Jū`in





The food will neither nourish nor taste good. It will only serve as a punishment to the people of Hell. In other passages, God describes the tree of zaqqum, a special food of Hell. Zaqqum is a repulsive tree, its roots go deep into the bottom of Hell, its branches stretching all over. Its ugly fruit is like the heads of the devils. He says:



{Indeed, the tree of zaqqum is food for the sinful, like murky oil, it boils within bellies, like the boiling of scalding water.} [Quran 44:43-46]



{إِنَّ شَجَرَتَ الزَّقُّومِ ﴿٤٣﴾ طَعَامُ الْأَثِيمِ ﴿٤٤﴾ كَالْمُهْلِ يَغْلِي فِي الْبُطُونِ ﴿٤٥﴾ كَغَلْيِ الْحَمِيمِ} [الدخان:43-٤٦]





{Is that (Paradise) better as hospitality or the tree of zaqqum? Indeed, We have made it a torment for the wrongdoers. Indeed, it is a tree issuing from the bottom of the Hellfire, its emerging fruit as if it was heads of the devils. And, indeed, they will eat from it and fill with it their bellies. Then, indeed, they will have after it a mixture of scalding water. Then, indeed, their return will be to the Hellfire.} [Quran 37:62-68]



{أَذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ نُّزُلًا أَمْ شَجَرَةُ الزَّقُّومِ ﴿٦٢﴾ إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاهَا فِتْنَةً لِّلظَّالِمِينَ ﴿٦٣﴾ إِنَّهَا شَجَرَةٌ تَخْرُجُ فِي أَصْلِ الْجَحِيمِ ﴿٦٤﴾ طَلْعُهَا كَأَنَّهُ رُءُوسُ الشَّيَاطِينِ ﴿٦٥﴾ فَإِنَّهُمْ لَآكِلُونَ مِنْهَا فَمَالِئُونَ مِنْهَا الْبُطُونَ ﴿٦٦﴾ ثُمَّ إِنَّ لَهُمْ عَلَيْهَا لَشَوْبًا مِّنْ حَمِيمٍ ﴿٦٧﴾ ثُمَّ إِنَّ مَرْجِعَهُمْ لَإِلَى الْجَحِيمِ} [الصافات:62-٦٨]

Transliteration: 'Adhalika Khayrun Nuzulāan 'Am Shajaratu Az-Zaqqūmi(62) 'Innā Ja`alnāhā Fitnatan Lilžžālimīna(63) 'Innahā Shajaratun Takhruju Fī 'Aşli Al-Jaĥīmi(64) Ţal`uhā Ka'annahu Ru'ūsu Ash-Shayāţīni(65) Fa'innahum La'ākilūna Minhā Famāli'ūna Minhā Al-Buţūna(66) Thumma 'Inna Lahum `Alayhā Lashawbāan Min Ĥamīmin(67) Thumma 'Inna Marji`ahum La'ilá Al-Jaĥīmi





{Then indeed you, O those astray (who are) deniers, will be eating from trees of zaqqum and filling with it your bellies, and drinking on top of it from scalding water, and will drink as the drinking of thirsty camels. That is their hospitality on the Day of Recompense.} [Quran 56:51-56]



{ثُمَّ إِنَّكُمْ أَيُّهَا الضَّالُّونَ الْمُكَذِّبُونَ ﴿٥١﴾ لَآكِلُونَ مِن شَجَرٍ مِّن زَقُّومٍ ﴿٥٢﴾ فَمَالِئُونَ مِنْهَا الْبُطُونَ ﴿٥٣﴾ فَشَارِبُونَ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ الْحَمِيمِ ﴿٥٤﴾ فَشَارِبُونَ شُرْبَ الْهِيمِ ﴿٥٥﴾ هَٰذَا نُزُلُهُمْ يَوْمَ الدِّينِ} [الواقعة:51-٥٦]

Transliteration: Thumma 'Innakum 'Ayyuhā Ađ-Đāllūna Al-Mukadhdhibūna(51) La'ākilūna Min Shajarin Min Zaqqūmin(52) Famāli'ūna Minhā Al-Buţūna(53) Fashāribūna `Alayhi Mina Al-Ĥamīmi(54) Fashāribūna Shurba Al-Hīmi(55) Hādhā Nuzuluhum Yawma Ad-Dīni



People of Hell will get so hungry that they will eat from the obnoxious tree of zaqqum. When they will fill their bellies with it, it will start to churn like boiling oil causing immense suffering. At that point they will rush to drink extremely hot water. They will drink it like thirsty camels, yet it will never quench their thirst. Rather their internals will be torn. God says:



{…They will be given to drink boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels (to pieces).} [Quran 47:15]



{...وَسُقُوا مَاءً حَمِيمًا فَقَطَّعَ أَمْعَاءَهُمْ} [محمد:١٥]

Transliteration: ...Wa Suqū Mā'an Ĥamīmāan Faqaţţa`a 'Am`ā'ahum





The thorny bushes and zaqqum will choke them and stick in their throats because of their foulness:



{Surely, with us are fetters (to bind them) and a ranging Fire (to burn them), and a food that chokes and a penalty grievous.} [Quran 73:12-13]



{إِنَّ لَدَيْنَا أَنكَالًا وَجَحِيمًا ﴿١٢﴾ وَطَعَامًا ذَا غُصَّةٍ وَعَذَابًا أَلِيمًا} [المزمل:12-١٣]

Transliteration: 'Inna Ladaynā 'Ankālāan Wa Jaĥīmāan(12) Wa Ţa`āmāan Dhā Ghuşşatin Wa `Adhābāan 'Alīmāan





The Prophet of Islam said:



«If a drop from zaqqum were to land in this world, the people of earth and all their means of sustenance would rot. So how must it be for one who must eat it?» [Tirmidhi]



Another food served to the people of Hell will be festering puss that oozes out of their skin, the discharge that flows from the private parts of adulterers and the decaying skin and flesh of those being burnt. It is the “juice” of the people of Hell. God says:



{So no friend has he here this Day, nor has he any food except filth from the washing of wounds which none do eat but those in sin.} [Quran 69:35-37]



{فَلَيْسَ لَهُ الْيَوْمَ هَاهُنَا حَمِيمٌ ﴿٣٥﴾ وَلَا طَعَامٌ إِلَّا مِنْ غِسْلِينٍ ﴿٣٦﴾ لَّا يَأْكُلُهُ إِلَّا الْخَاطِئُونَ} [الحاقة:35-٣٧]

Transliteration: Falaysa Lahu Al-Yawma Hāhunā Ĥamīmun(35) Wa Lā Ţa`āmun 'Illā Min Ghislīnin(36) Lā Ya'kuluhu 'Illā Al-Khāţi'ūna



{This – so let them taste it – is scalding water and (foul) purulence. And other (punishments) of its type (in various) kinds.} [Quran 38:57-58]



{هَٰذَا فَلْيَذُوقُوهُ حَمِيمٌ وَغَسَّاقٌ ﴿٥٧﴾ وَآخَرُ مِن شَكْلِهِ أَزْوَاجٌ} [ص:57-٥٨]

Transliteration: Hādhā Falyadhūqūhu Ĥamīmun Wa Ghassāqun(57) Wa 'Ākharu Min Shaklihi 'Azwājun





Lastly, some sinners will be fed fire from Hell as a punishment. God says:



{Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire.} [Quran 4:10]



{إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَالَ الْيَتَامَىٰ ظُلْمًا إِنَّمَا يَأْكُلُونَ فِي بُطُونِهِمْ نَارًا ۖ وَسَيَصْلَوْنَ سَعِيرًا} [الإسراء:١٠]

Transliteration: 'Inna Al-Ladhīna Ya'kulūna 'Amwāla Al-Yatāmá Žulmāan 'Innamā Ya'kulūna Fī Buţūnihim Nārāan Wa Sayaşlawna Sa`īrāan





{Indeed, they who conceal what God has sent down of the Book and exchange it for a small price – those consume not into their bellies except the Fire.} [Quran 2:174]



{إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْتُمُونَ مَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَيَشْتَرُونَ بِهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا ۙ أُولَٰئِكَ مَا يَأْكُلُونَ فِي بُطُونِهِمْ إِلَّا النَّارَ} [البقرة:١٧٤]

Transliteration: 'Inna Al-Ladhīna Yaktumūna Mā 'Anzala Allāhu Mina Al-Kitābi Wa Yashtarūna Bihi Thamanāan Qalīlāan 'Ūlā'ika Mā Ya'kulūna Fī Buţūnihim 'Illā An-Nāra





Its Drink



God tells in the Quran about the drink of people of Hell:



{They will be given to drink boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels (to pieces).} [Quran 47:15]



{وَسُقُوا مَاءً حَمِيمًا فَقَطَّعَ أَمْعَاءَهُمْ} [محمد:١٥]

Transliteration: Wa Suqū Mā'an Ĥamīmāan Faqaţţa`a 'Am`ā'ahum





{…And if they call for relief, they will be relieved with water like murky oil, which scalds (their) faces. Wretched is the drink, and evil is the resting place.} [Quran 18:29]



{... وَإِن يَسْتَغِيثُوا يُغَاثُوا بِمَاءٍ كَالْمُهْلِ يَشْوِي الْوُجُوهَ ۚ بِئْسَ الشَّرَابُ وَسَاءَتْ مُرْتَفَقًا} [الكهف:٢٩]

Transliteration: ... Wa 'In Yastaghīthū Yughāthū Bimā'in Kālmuhli Yashwī Al-Wujūha Bi'sa Ash-Sharābu Wa Sā'at Murtafaqāan





{Before him is Hell, and he will be given a drink of purulent water. He will gulp it but will hardly (be able to) swallow it. And death will come to him from everywhere, but he is not to die. And before him is a massive punishment.} [Quran 14:16-17]



{مِّن وَرَائِهِ جَهَنَّمُ وَيُسْقَىٰ مِن مَّاءٍ صَدِيدٍ ﴿١٦﴾ يَتَجَرَّعُهُ وَلَا يَكَادُ يُسِيغُهُ وَيَأْتِيهِ الْمَوْتُ مِن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ وَمَا هُوَ بِمَيِّتٍ ۖ وَمِن وَرَائِهِ عَذَابٌ غَلِيظٌ} [إبراهيم:16-١٧]

Transliteration: Min Warā'ihi Jahannamu Wa Yusqá Min Mā'in Şadīdin(16) Yatajarra`uhu Wa Lā Yakādu Yusīghuhu Wa Ya'tīhi Al-Mawtu Min Kulli Makānin Wa Mā Huwa Bimayyitin Wa Min Warā'ihi `Adhābun Ghalīžun





{A boiling fluid and fluid dark, murky, intensely cold.} [Quran 38:57]



{هَٰذَا فَلْيَذُوقُوهُ حَمِيمٌ وَغَسَّاقٌ} [ص:٥٧]

Transliteration: Hādhā Falyadhūqūhu Ĥamīmun Wa Ghassāqun





The types of drink people of Hell will get to drink are as follows:



· Extremely hot water as God says:



{They will go around between it and scalding water, heated (to the utmost degree).} [Quran 55:44]



{يَطُوفُونَ بَيْنَهَا وَبَيْنَ حَمِيمٍ آنٍ} [الرحمن:٤٤]

Transliteration: Yaţūfūna Baynahā Wa Bayna Ĥamīmin 'Ānin





{They will be given drink from a boiling spring.} [Quran 88:5]



{تُسْقَىٰ مِنْ عَيْنٍ آنِيَةٍ} [الغاشية:٥]

Transliteration: Tusqá Min `Aynin 'Āniyahin





· Flowing puss from the flesh and skin of an unbeliever. The Prophet said:



Anyone who drinks intoxicants will be made to drink the mud of khabal. They asked, ‘O « Messenger of God, what is the mud of khabal?’ He said, ‘The sweat of the people of Hell’ or the ‘juice of the people of Hell.’» [Saheeh Muslim]



· A drink like boiling oil described by the Prophet as:



«It is like boiling oil, when it is brought near a person’s face, the skin of the face falls off into it.» [Musnad Ahmad, Tirmidhi]

A Description of Hellfire (part 4 of 5)

 

The Horrors of Hell I



The intensity of the fire of Hell will be such that people will be willing to give up their dearest possessions to escape it:



{Indeed, those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers – never would the (whole) capacity of the earth in gold be accepted from one of them if he would (seek to) ransom himself with it. For those there will be a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers.} [Quran 3:91]



{إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَمَاتُوا وَهُمْ كُفَّارٌ فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْ أَحَدِهِم مِّلْءُ الْأَرْضِ ذَهَبًا وَلَوِ افْتَدَىٰ بِهِ ۗ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ} [آل عمران:٩١]

Transliteration: 'Inna Al-Ladhīna Kafarū Wa Mātū Wa Hum Kuffārun Falan Yuqbala Min 'Aĥadihim Mil'u Al-'Arđi Dhahabāan Wa Law Aftadá Bihi 'Ūlā'ika Lahum `Adhābun 'Alīmun Wa Mā Lahum Min Nāşirīna





The Prophet of Islam said:



«One of the people of Hell who found most pleasure in the life of this world will be brought forth on the Day of Resurrection and will be dipped into the Fire of Hell. Then he will be asked, ‘O son of Adam, have you ever seen anything good?’ Have you ever enjoyed any pleasure?’ He will say, ‘No, by God, O Lord.» [1]



Few moments in Hell and the person will forget all the good times they had. The Prophet of Islam informs us:



«On the Day of Resurrection, God will ask the one whose punishment in the Fire is lightest, ‘If you had whatsoever you wanted on earth, would you give it to save yourself?’ He will say, ‘Yes.’ God will say, ‘I wanted less than that from you when you were still in the loins of Adam, I asked you not to associate anything in worship with Me, but you insisted on associating others in worship with Me.’» [2]



The horror and intensity of the Fire is enough to make a man lose his mind. He would be willing to give up everything he holds dear to saved from it, but he never will be. God says:



{The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children, and his wife and his brother, and his nearest kindred who shelter him, and all – all that is on earth – so it could save him. No! Indeed, it is the Flame (of Hell), plucking out (his being) tight to the skull!} [Quran 70:11-16]



{يَوَدُّ الْمُجْرِمُ لَوْ يَفْتَدِي مِنْ عَذَابِ يَوْمِئِذٍ بِبَنِيهِ ﴿١١﴾ وَصَاحِبَتِهِ وَأَخِيهِ ﴿١٢﴾ وَفَصِيلَتِهِ الَّتِي تُؤْوِيهِ ﴿١٣﴾ وَمَن فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ يُنجِيهِ ﴿١٤﴾ كَلَّا ۖ إِنَّهَا لَظَىٰ ﴿١٥﴾ نَزَّاعَةً لِّلشَّوَىٰ} [المعارج:11-١٦]

Transliteration: Yawaddu Al-Mujrimu Law Yaftadī Min `Adhābi Yawmi'idhin Bibanīhi (11) Wa Şāĥibatihi Wa 'Akhīhi(12) Wa Faşīlatihi Allatī Tu'uwyhi (13) Wa Man Fī Al-'Arđi Jamī`āan Thumma Yunjīhi(14) Kallā 'Innahā Lažaá(16) Nazzā`atan Lilshshawaá





The punishments of Hell will vary in degree. The torment of some levels of Hell will be greater than others. People will be put in a level according to their deeds. The Prophet of Islam said:



«There are some whom the Fire will reach their ankles, others up to their knees, others up to their waists, and yet others up to their necks.» [3]



He spoke of the lightest punishment in Hell:



«The person who will receive the least punishment among the people of Hell on the Day Resurrection will be a man, a smoldering ember will be placed under the arch of his foot. His brains will boil because of it.» [4]



This person will think no one else is being punished more severely than himself, even though he will be the one receiving the lightest punishment.[5]



Many verses of the Quran speak of various levels of punishment for the people of Hell:



{The hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire.} [Quran 4:145]

{إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ فِي الدَّرْكِ الْأَسْفَلِ مِنَ النَّارِ} [النساء:١٤٥]

Transliteration: 'Inna Al-Munāfiqīna Fī Ad-Darki Al-'Asfali Mina An-Nāri





{and on the Day that Judgment will be established (it will be said to the angels): Cast the people of Pharaoh into the severest penalty!} [Quran 40:46]



{وَيَوْمَ تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ أَدْخِلُوا آلَ فِرْعَوْنَ أَشَدَّ الْعَذَابِ} [غافر:٤٦]

Transliteration: Wa Yawma Taqūmu As-Sā`atu 'Adkhilū 'Āla Fir`awna 'Ashadda Al-`Adhābi





The Fire kindled by God will burn the skin of the people of Hell. The skin is the largest organ of the body and the site of sensation where the pain of burning is felt. God will replace the burnt skin with a new one to be burnt again, and this will keep on repeating:



{Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses – We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted through We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, God is ever Exalted in Might and Wise.} [Quran 4:56]



{إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِنَا سَوْفَ نُصْلِيهِمْ نَارًا كُلَّمَا نَضِجَتْ جُلُودُهُم بَدَّلْنَاهُمْ جُلُودًا غَيْرَهَا لِيَذُوقُوا الْعَذَابَ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا} [النساء:٥٦]

Transliteration: 'Inna Al-Ladhīna Kafarū Bi'āyātinā Sawfa Nuşlīhim Nārāan Kullamā Nađijat Julūduhum Baddalnāhum Julūdāan Ghayrahā Liyadhūqū Al-`Adhāba 'Inna Allāha Kāna `Azīzāan Ĥakīmāan





Another punishment of Hell is melting. When super-heated water will be poured on their heads, it will melt away the internals:



{…poured upon their heads will be scalding water by which is melted that within their bellies and (their) skins.} [Quran 22:19-20]



{...يُصَبُّ مِن فَوْقِ رُءُوسِهِمُ الْحَمِيمُ ﴿١٩﴾ يُصْهَرُ بِهِ مَا فِي بُطُونِهِمْ وَالْجُلُودُ} [الحج:19-٢٠]

Transliteration: ...Yuşabbu Min Fawqi Ru'ūsihimu Al-Ĥamīmu (19) Yuşharu Bihi Mā Fī Buţūnihim Wa Al-Julūdu





Prophet Muhammad said:



«Super-heated water will be poured onto their heads and will dissolve through it until it cuts up their innards, expelling them; until it comes out of their feet, and everything is melted. Then they will be restored as they were.» [6]



One of the ways God will humiliate the sinful in Hell is by gathering them on Judgment Day on their faces, blind, deaf, and dumb.



{and We will gather them on the Day of Resurrection (fallen) on their faces – blind, dumb and deaf. Their refuge is Hell; every time it subsides We increase them in blazing fire.} [Quran 17:97]



{وَنَحْشُرُهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عَلَىٰ وُجُوهِهِمْ عُمْيًا وَبُكْمًا وَصُمًّا ۖ مَّأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ ۖ كُلَّمَا خَبَتْ زِدْنَاهُمْ سَعِيرًا} [الإسراء:٩٧]

Transliteration: Wa Naĥshuruhum Yawma Al-Qiyāmati `Alá Wajūhihim `Umyāan Wa Bukmāan Wa Şummāan Ma'wāhum Jahannamu Kullamā Khabat Zidnāhum Sa`īrāan





{And brings an evil deed — such will be flung down on their faces into the Fire, (and it will be said), ‘Are you recompensed for anything but what you used to do?’} [Quran 27:90]



{وَمَن جَاءَ بِالسَّيِّئَةِ فَكُبَّتْ وُجُوهُهُمْ فِي النَّارِ هَلْ تُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ} [النمل:٩٠]

Transliteration: Wa Man Jā'a Bis-Sayyi'ati Fakubbat Wujūhuhum Fī An-Nāri Hal Tujzawna 'Illā Mā Kuntum Ta`malūna





{The Fire will burn their faces and they will grin therein, their lips displaced.} [Quran 23:104]



{تَلْفَحُ وُجُوهَهُمُ النَّارُ وَهُمْ فِيهَا كَالِحُونَ} [المؤمنون:١٠٤]

Transliteration: Talfaĥu Wujūhahumu An-Nāru Wa Hum Fīhā Kāliĥūna





{The Day their faces will be turned over in the Fire, they will say, ‘How we wish we had obeyed God and obeyed the Messenger.’} [Quran 33:66]



{يَوْمَ تُقَلَّبُ وُجُوهُهُمْ فِي النَّارِ يَقُولُونَ يَا لَيْتَنَا أَطَعْنَا اللَّهَ وَأَطَعْنَا الرَّسُولَا} [الأحزاب:٦٦]

Transliteration: Yawma Tuqallabu Wujūhuhum Fī An-Nāri Yaqūlūna Yā Laytanā 'Aţa`nā Allāha Wa 'Aţa`nā Ar-Rasūlā





Another painful punishment of unbelievers will be getting dragged on their faces into Hell. God says:



{Indeed, the criminals are in error and madness. The Day they are dragged into the Fire on their faces (it will be said), ‘Taste the touch of Hell.’} [Quran 54:47-48]



{إِنَّ الْمُجْرِمِينَ فِي ضَلَالٍ وَسُعُرٍ ﴿٤٧﴾ يَوْمَ يُسْحَبُونَ فِي النَّارِ عَلَىٰ وُجُوهِهِمْ ذُوقُوا مَسَّ سَقَرَ} [القمر:47-٤٨]

Transliteration: 'Inna Al-Mujrimīna Fī Đalālin Wa Su`urin(47) Yawma Yusĥabūna Fī An-Nāri `Alá Wujūhihim Dhūqū Massa Saqara





They will be dragged on their faces while they are tied in chains and fettered:



{Those who deny the Book (the Quran) and that with which We sent Our messengers – they are going to know, when the shackles are around their necks and the chains; they will be dragged in boiling water; then in the Fire they will be filled (with flame).} [Quran 40:70-72]



{الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِالْكِتَابِ وَبِمَا أَرْسَلْنَا بِهِ رُسُلَنَا ۖ فَسَوْفَ يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٧٠﴾ إِذِ الْأَغْلَالُ فِي أَعْنَاقِهِمْ وَالسَّلَاسِلُ يُسْحَبُونَ ﴿٧١﴾ فِي الْحَمِيمِ ثُمَّ فِي النَّارِ يُسْجَرُونَ} [غافر:70-٧٢]

Transliteration: Al-Ladhīna Kadhdhabū Bil-Kitābi Wa Bimā 'Arsalnā Bihi Rusulanā Fasawfa Ya`lamūna(70) 'Idhi Al-'Aghlālu Fī 'A`nāqihim Wa As-Salāsilu Yusĥabūna(71) Fī Al-Ĥamīmi Thumma Fī An-Nāri Yusjarūna

A Description of Hellfire (part 5 of 5)

 

The Horrors of Hell II



God will blacken the faces of the people of Hell:



{On the Day (some) faces will turn white and (some) faces will turn black. As for those whose faces turn black. (to them it will be said), ‘Did you reject faith after your belief? Then taste the punishment for what you used to reject.’} [Quran 3:106]



{يَوْمَ تَبْيَضُّ وُجُوهٌ وَتَسْوَدُّ وُجُوهٌ ۚ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ اسْوَدَّتْ وُجُوهُهُمْ أَكَفَرْتُم بَعْدَ إِيمَانِكُمْ فَذُوقُوا الْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ} [آل عمران:١٠٦]

[B]Transliteration: Yawma Tabyađđu Wujūhun Wa Taswaddu Wujūhun Fa'ammā Al-Ladhīna Aswaddat Wujūhuhum 'Akafartum Ba`da 'Īmānikum Fadhūqū Al-`Adhāba Bimā Kuntum Takfurūna [/b]



Their faces will be such as if the night has covered them:



{But they who have earned (blame for) evil doings – the recompense of an evil deed is its equivalent, and humiliation will cover them. They will have from God no protector. It will be as if their faces are covered with pieces of the night – so dark (are they). Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.} [Quran 10:27]



{وَالَّذِينَ كَسَبُوا السَّيِّئَاتِ جَزَاءُ سَيِّئَةٍ بِمِثْلِهَا وَتَرْهَقُهُمْ ذِلَّةٌ ۖ مَّا لَهُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ مِنْ عَاصِمٍ ۖ كَأَنَّمَا أُغْشِيَتْ وُجُوهُهُمْ قِطَعًا مِّنَ اللَّيْلِ مُظْلِمًا ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ} [يونس:٢٧]

Transliteration: Wa Al-Ladhīna Kasabū As-Sayyi'āti Jazā'u Sayyi'atin Bimithlihā Wa Tarhaquhum Dhillatun Mā Lahum Mina Allāhi Min `Āşimin Ka'annamā 'Ughshiyat Wujūhuhum Qiţa`āan Mina Al-Layli Mužlimāan 'Ūlā'ika 'Aşĥābu An-Nāri Hum Fīhā Khālidūna





The Fire will surround the unbeliever on all sides just as sins surrounded him like a sheet wound around his body:



{Theirs will be a bed of Fire and over them coverings (of Fire)…} [Quran 7:41[



{لَهُم مِّن جَهَنَّمَ مِهَادٌ وَمِن فَوْقِهِمْ غَوَاشٍ...} [الأعراف:٤١]

Transliteration: Lahum Min Jahannama Mihādun Wa Min Fawqihim Ghawāshin





{On the Day when the torment (of Hell) will cover them from above them and from underneath their feet.} [Quran 29:55]



{يَوْمَ يَغْشَاهُمُ الْعَذَابُ مِن فَوْقِهِمْ وَمِن تَحْتِ أَرْجُلِهِمْ} [العنكبوت:٥٥]

Transliteration: Yawma Yaghshāhumu Al-`Adhābu Min Fawqihim Wa Min Taĥti 'Arjulihim



{…and surely Hell will surround the unbelievers…} [Quran 9:49]



{...وَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ لَمُحِيطَةٌ بِالْكَافِرِينَ...} [التوبة:٤٩]

Transliteration: ...Wa 'Inna Jahannama Lamuĥīţatun Bil-Kāfirīna



The Fire of Hell will leap up to the hearts. The Fire will penetrate their super-sized bodies and reach the innermost depths:



{No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher. And what can make you know what is the Crushers? It is the fire of God, (eternally) fueled, which mounts directed at the hearts.} [Quran 104:4-7]



{كَلَّا ۖ لَيُنبَذَنَّ فِي الْحُطَمَةِ ﴿٤﴾ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا الْحُطَمَةُ ﴿٥﴾ نَارُ اللَّهِ الْمُوقَدَةُ ﴿٦﴾ الَّتِي تَطَّلِعُ عَلَى الْأَفْئِدَةِ} [الهمزة:4-٧]

Transliteration: Kallā Layunbadhanna Fī Al-Ĥuţamahi (4) Wa Mā 'Adrāka Mā Al-Ĥuţamahu (5) Nāru Allāhi Al-Mūqadahu (6) Allatī Taţţali`u `Alá Al-'Af'idahi





The Fire will split the entrails as mentioned by the Prophet:



«A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown into the Fire. Then his entrails will be spilled out into the Fire and he will be forced to walk around and around like a donkey in a treadmill. The people of Hell will gather around him and say, ‘O so-and-so, what is wrong with you? Did you not enjoin us to do good and forbid us to do wrong?’ He will say, ‘I used to order you to do good, but I did not do it and I used to forbid you to do evil, but I used to do it myself.’ Then he will walk around and around like a donkey in a treadmill.» [1]



God has described the chains, yokes, and fetters of Hell. They will be tied up with chains and dragged with yokes on their necks:



{for the rejecters We have prepared iron chains, yokes, and a blazing Fire.} [Quran 76:4]



{إِنَّا أَعْتَدْنَا لِلْكَافِرِينَ سَلَاسِلَ وَأَغْلَالًا وَسَعِيرًا} [الإنسان:٤]

Transliteration: 'Innā 'A`tadnā Lilkāfirīna Salāsilāan Wa 'Aghlālāan Wa Sa`īrāan



{With Us are fetters (to bind them), and a Fire (to burn them), and a food that chokes, and a penalty grievous.} [Quran 73:12-13]



{إِنَّ لَدَيْنَا أَنكَالًا وَجَحِيمًا ﴿١٢﴾ وَطَعَامًا ذَا غُصَّةٍ وَعَذَابًا أَلِيمًا} [المزمل:12-١٣]

Transliteration: 'Inna Ladaynā 'Ankālāan Wa Jaĥīmāan(12) Wa Ţa`āmāan Dhā Ghuşşatin Wa `Adhābāan 'Alīmāan



{We will put yokes on the necks of the unbelievers. It would only be requital for their evil deeds.} [Quran 34:33]



{وَجَعَلْنَا الْأَغْلَالَ فِي أَعْنَاقِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا ۚ هَلْ يُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ} [سبأ:٣٣]

Transliteration: Wa Ja`alnā Al-'Aghlāla Fī 'A`nāqi Al-Ladhīna Kafarū Hal Yujzawna 'Illā Mā Kānū Ya`malūna



{when yokes will be put round their necks and the chains, they will be dragged along.} [Quran 40:71]



{إِذِ الْأَغْلَالُ فِي أَعْنَاقِهِمْ وَالسَّلَاسِلُ يُسْحَبُونَ} [غافر:٧١]

Transliteration: 'Idhi Al-'Aghlālu Fī 'A`nāqihim Wa As-Salāsilu Yusĥabūna



{(The stern command will say): seize him and bind him, and burn him in the blazing Fire, further, make him march in a chain, whereof the length is seventy cubits.} [Quran 69:30-32]



{خُذُوهُ فَغُلُّوهُ ﴿٣٠﴾ ثُمَّ الْجَحِيمَ صَلُّوهُ ﴿٣١﴾ ثُمَّ فِي سِلْسِلَةٍ ذَرْعُهَا سَبْعُونَ ذِرَاعًا فَاسْلُكُوهُ} [الحاقة:30-٣2]

Transliteration: Khudhūhu Faghullūhu(30) Thumma Al-Jaĥīma Şallūhu(31) Thumma Fī Silsilatin Dhar`uhā Sab`ūna Dhirā`āan Fāslukūhu





The pagan gods and all other deities that were worshipped besides God who people thought will be their intercessors with God and bringing them closer to Him will be thrown into Hell with them. This will be to humiliate and demonstrate that these false gods have no power,



{Indeed, you (disbelievers), and that which you worship other than God,[2] are but fuel for Hell. Verily, you will enter it. Had these (false deities) been (actual) gods, they would not have entered there, but all will eternally abide therein.} [Quran 21:98-99]



{إِنَّكُمْ وَمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ حَصَبُ جَهَنَّمَ أَنتُمْ لَهَا وَارِدُونَ ﴿٩٨﴾ لَوْ كَانَ هَٰؤُلَاءِ آلِهَةً مَّا وَرَدُوهَا ۖ وَكُلٌّ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ} [الأنبياء:98-٩٩]

Transliteration: 'Innakum Wa Mā Ta`budūna Min Dūni Allāhi Ĥaşabu Jahannama 'Antum Lahā Wa Aridūna(98) Law Kāna Hā'uulā' 'Ālihatan Mā Waradūhā Wa Kullun Fīhā Khālidūna

When the unbeliever will see Hell, he will be filled with remorse, but it will not be of any benefit:



{And they will feel regret when they see the punishment; and they will be judged in justice, and they will not be wronged.} [Quran 10:54]

{وَأَسَرُّوا النَّدَامَةَ لَمَّا رَأَوُا الْعَذَابَ ۖ وَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُم بِالْقِسْطِ ۚ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ} [يونس:٥٤]

Transliteration: Wa 'Asarrū An-Nadāmata Lammā Ra'aw Al-`Adhāba Wa Quđiya Baynahum Bil-Qisţi Wa Hum Lā Yužlamūna





The unbeliever will pray for his death when they sense its heat,



{And when they are thrown into a narrow place therein bound in chains, they will cry out thereupon for destruction. (They will be told), ‘Do not cry this Day for one destruction but cry for much destruction.’} [Quran 25:13-14]



{وَإِذَا أُلْقُوا مِنْهَا مَكَانًا ضَيِّقًا مُّقَرَّنِينَ دَعَوْا هُنَالِكَ ثُبُورًا ﴿١٣﴾ لَّا تَدْعُوا الْيَوْمَ ثُبُورًا وَاحِدًا وَادْعُوا ثُبُورًا كَثِيرًا} [الفرقان:13-١٤]

Transliteration: Wa 'Idhā 'Ulqū Minhā Makānāan Đayyiqāan Muqarranīna Da`aw Hunālika Thubūrāan(13) Lā Tad`ū Al-Yawma Thubūrāan Wāĥidāan Wa Ad`ū Thubūrāan Kathīrāan



Their screams will get louder and they will call onto God hoping He will take them out of Hell:



{And they will cry out therein, ‘Our Lord, remove us; we will do righteousness – other than what we were doing!’} [Quran 35:37]



{وَهُمْ يَصْطَرِخُونَ فِيهَا رَبَّنَا أَخْرِجْنَا نَعْمَلْ صَالِحًا غَيْرَ الَّذِي كُنَّا نَعْمَلُ} [فاطر:٣٧]

Transliteration: Wa Hum Yaşţarikhūna Fīhā Rabbanā 'Akhrijnā Na`mal Şāliĥāan Ghayra Al-Ladhī Kunnā Na`malu



They will realize theirs sins and the error of stubborn disbelief:



{And they will say, ‘If only we had been listening or reasoning, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze.’ And they will admit their sin, so (it is) alienation for the companions of the Blaze.} [Quran 67:10-11]



{وَقَالُوا لَوْ كُنَّا نَسْمَعُ أَوْ نَعْقِلُ مَا كُنَّا فِي أَصْحَابِ السَّعِيرِ ﴿١٠﴾ فَاعْتَرَفُوا بِذَنبِهِمْ فَسُحْقًا لِّأَصْحَابِ السَّعِيرِ} [الملك:10-١١]

Transliteration: Wa Qālū Law Kunnā Nasma`u 'Aw Na`qilu Mā Kunnā Fī 'Aşĥābi As-Sa`īri (10)Fā`tarafū Bidhanbihim Fasuĥqāan Li'şĥābi As-Sa`īri



Their prayers will be rejected:



{They will say, ‘Our Lord, our wretchedness overcame us, and we were a people astray. Our Lord, remove us from it, and if we were to return (to evil), we would indeed be wrongdoers.’ He will say, ‘Remain despised therein and do not speak to Me.’} [Quran 23:106-108]



{قَالُوا رَبَّنَا غَلَبَتْ عَلَيْنَا شِقْوَتُنَا وَكُنَّا قَوْمًا ضَالِّينَ ﴿١٠٦﴾ رَبَّنَا أَخْرِجْنَا مِنْهَا فَإِنْ عُدْنَا فَإِنَّا ظَالِمُونَ ﴿١٠٧﴾ قَالَ اخْسَئُوا فِيهَا وَلَا تُكَلِّمُونِ} [المؤمنون:106-١٠٨]

Transliteration: Qālū Rabbanā Ghalabat `Alaynā Shiqwatunā Wa Kunnā Qawmāan Đāllīna (106)Rabbanā 'Akhrijnā Minhā Fa'in `Udnā Fa'innā Žālimūna (107)Qāla Akhsa'ū Fīhā Wa Lā Tukallimūni





After that, they will call the keepers of Hell asking them to intercede to God on their behalf for reduction in torment:



{And those in the Fire will say to the keepers of Hell, ‘Supplicate your Lord to lighten for us a day from the punishment.’ They will say, ‘Did there not come to you your messengers with clear proofs?’ They will say, ‘Yes.’ They will reply, ‘Then supplicate (yourselves), but the supplication of the disbelievers is not except in error.’} [Quran 40:49-50]



{وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ فِي النَّارِ لِخَزَنَةِ جَهَنَّمَ ادْعُوا رَبَّكُمْ يُخَفِّفْ عَنَّا يَوْمًا مِّنَ الْعَذَابِ ﴿٤٩﴾قَالُوا أَوَلَمْ تَكُ تَأْتِيكُمْ رُسُلُكُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ ۖ قَالُوا بَلَىٰ ۚ قَالُوا فَادْعُوا ۗ وَمَا دُعَاءُ الْكَافِرِينَ إِلَّا فِي ضَلَالٍ} [غافر:49-٥٠]

Transliteration: Wa Qāla Al-Ladhīna Fī An-Nāri Likhazanati Jahannama Ad`ū Rabbakum Yukhaffif `Annā Yawmāan Mina Al-`Adhābi(49)Qālū 'Awa Lam Taku Ta'tīkum Rusulukum Bil-Bayyināti Qālū Balá Qālū Fād`ū Wa Mā Du`ā'u Al-Kāfirīna 'Illā Fī Đalālin





Their will even plead for their own destruction to relieve themselves of the pain:



{And they will call, ‘O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us!’ He will say, ‘Indeed, you will remain.’} [Quran 43:77]



{وَنَادَوْا يَا مَالِكُ لِيَقْضِ عَلَيْنَا رَبُّكَ ۖ قَالَ إِنَّكُم مَّاكِثُونَ} [الزخرف:٧٧]

Transliteration: Wa Nādaw Yā Māliku Liyaqđi `Alaynā Rabbuka Qāla 'Innakum Mākithūna



They will be told the punishment will never be reduced, it is eternal:



{Then be patient or impatient – it is all the same for you. You are only being recompensed for what you used to do.} [Quran 52:16]



{اصْلَوْهَا فَاصْبِرُوا أَوْ لَا تَصْبِرُوا سَوَاءٌ عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ إِنَّمَا تُجْزَوْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ} [الطور:١٦]

Transliteration: Aşlawhā Fāşbirū 'Aw Lā Taşbirū Sawā'un `Alaykum 'Innamā Tujzawna Mā Kuntum Ta`malūna



They will weep for a long time:



{So let them laugh a little and then weep much as recompense for what they used to earn.} [Quran 9:82]



{فَلْيَضْحَكُوا قَلِيلًا وَلْيَبْكُوا كَثِيرًا جَزَاءً بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ} [التوبة:٨٢]

Transliteration: Falyađĥakū Qalīlāan Wa Līabkū Kathīrāan Jazā'an Bimā Kānū Yaksibūna

They will weep until no tears are left, then that they will weep blood, which will leave its traces as described by the Prophet:



«The people of Hell will be made to weep, and they will weep until they have no tears left. Then they will weep blood until they have, as it were, channels in their faces, if ships were put in them, they would float.» [3]



As you have seen, the descriptions of Hell in the Islamic scripture are clear and graphic, as are the descriptions of the people who deserve their fate therein. Such is the clarity that any person who believes in Judgment Day and the eternal destinies of the Hereafter must be motivated to at least try not to be of the people thrown inside. The best, and really only, way of avoiding this fate is to seriously search into the true religion God has mandated for humanity. A person should never follow a religion merely because it was that which he was “born into”, nor should they take religion to be a new age fashion. Rather, they should look into the truth about this world and the life to come, and be sure that they have prepared for that judgment from which there is no return, by living a life and system of belief revealed and unchanged from the One High Above.


Real Happiness and Inner Peace

 

Real happiness and peace can be found in submitting to the commands of the Creator and the Sustainer of this world. God has said in the Quran:



{Truly, in remembering God do hearts find rest.} [Quran 13:28]



{أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ} [الرعد:٢٨]

Transliteration: 'Alā Bidhikri Allāhi Taţma'innu Al-Qulūbu



On the other hand, the one who turns away from the Quran will have a life of hardship in this world. God has said:



{But whoever turns away from the Quran,[1] he will have a hard life, and We will raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment.} [Quran 20:124]



{وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَن ذِكْرِي فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَعْمَىٰ} [طه:١٢٤]

Transliteration: Wa Man 'A`rađa `An Dhikrī Fa'inna Lahu Ma`īshatan Đankāan Wa Naĥshuruhu Yawma Al-Qiyāmati 'A`má



This may explain why some people commit suicide while they enjoy the material comfort money can buy. For example, look at Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam), formerly a famous pop singer who used to earn sometimes more than $150,000 a night. After he converted to Islam, he found true happiness and peace, which he had not found in material success.[2]







--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Footnotes:

[1] i.e. neither believes in the Quran nor acts on its orders.



[2] The present mailing address of Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam), in case you would like to ask him about his feelings after he converted to Islam, is: 2 Digswell Street, London N7 8JX, United Kingdom.

From Shaytan's Deceptions

 

From Shaytan's Deceptions: Giving Pleasing Names to Forbidden Things



Dr. `Umar Al-Ashqar





Among the deceptions of Satan is that he names the evil actions with names that are very pleasing to the human to entice him to take part in them. In this way, he dupes the human and makes a forgery of the reality of the situation. For example, Satan called the tree that was forbidden to Adam, "the tree of everlasting life" in order to make it appealing to Adam:

"[But Satan whispered to him saying, 1] 'Oh Adam, shall I show you the tree of immortality and power that wastes not away?'" [Taha 20:120]

{فَوَسْوَسَ إِلَيْهِ الشَّيْطَانُ قَالَ يَا آدَمُ هَلْ أَدُلُّكَ عَلَى شَجَرَةِ الْخُلْدِ وَمُلْكٍ لَّا يَبْلَى}

Transliteration: Fawaswasa 'Ilayhi Ash-Shayţānu Qāla Yā 'Ādamu Hal 'Adulluka `Alá Shajarati Al-Khuldi Wa Mulkin Lā Yablá



Ibn al-Qayyim stated: "From Satan, his followers inherited this trait of using names that are loved by the soul for forbidden objects. For example, wine is called 'the mother of glee', interest is called a 'business transaction', and taxes and tolls are called 'the right of the government.'"



Today interest is referred to as profit; dancing, music and plays are called art.



_______________________



1- These words form part of the verse but al-Ashqar excluded them from the original work. – JZ


Satan Hinders the Slave from Acting

Satan Hinders the Slave from Acting by Means of Procrastination and Laziness

Dr. `Umar Al-Ashqar
Chapter: From the Ways of Satan in Leading Humans Astray
The World of the Jinn and Devils
© 1998 al-Basheer Publications and Translations



Concerning this point, Satan has many ways and means. It is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
«During your sleep, Satan ties three knots at the back of your Decks. He breathes the following into them, 'The night is long so keep on sleeping.' If the person wakes and praises Allah, then one of the knots is unfastened. And if he performs ablution, the second knot is unfastened. When he prays, all of the knots are unfastened. After that he will be energetic and happy in the morning. Otherwise he would get up listless and grouchy».

»يعقد الشيطان على قافية رأس أحدكم إذا هو نام ثلاث عقد، يضرب كل عقدة مكانها: عليك ليل طويل فارقد، فإن استيقظ فذكر الله انحلت عقدة، فإن توضأ انحلت عقدة، فإن صلى انحلت عقده كلها، فأصبح نشيطا طيب النفس، وإلا أصبح خبيث النفس كسلان«



It is also recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim that He said:


«When one of you rises from your sleep he should make ablution. He should rinse his nose three times; For Satan stays in the upper part of one's nose during the night».

«إذا استيقظ -أراه- أحدكم من منامه فتوضأ فليستنثر ثلاثا، فإن الشيطان يبيت على خيشومه»

Al-Bukhari also records that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about a man who sleeps until the morning comes, that is, after the time of the dawn prayer. He said:
«That is a man whom Satan has urinated into his two ears.»
«ذاك رجل بال الشيطان في أذنيه»


What we have mentioned is from among the ways that Satan hinders the human from doing some actions. He also whispers into the human a love for laziness, postponing or procrastinating actions and thinking about what a long period of time one has for such and such action or work. Ibn al-Jauzi has written on this topic, stating:


How many of the Jews or Christians have considered in their hearts love for Islam. But Iblees always hinders them. He says to them, "Do not be hasty. Look closer into the matter." And they postpone their conversion until they die as unbelievers. In the same way the one who is disobedient to Allah postpones his repentance. He sets his sights on his desires and he hopes he will repent later. But, as the poet said, "Do not rush to perform the sins you desire and think about the period of repentance beforehand." How many are determined to do something and then they postpone it. Perhaps a scholar is determined to return to his study. Satan says, "Rest for a while." Or a servant is alerted to the prayer at night and he says to him, "You have plenty of time." He will not stop making people love laziness and postponing of actions and he makes the person rely on hopes and dreams.

It is necessary for the energetic person to take matters into his own hand and act upon his energy. The energetic finds the time to do things and does not procrastinate and he turns away from just dreaming. The one who has a real fear of Allah does not feel safe of punishment. The soul never stops in its dispute about evil and facing the good. But it always expects that it will have plenty of time to complete the good. One of the early scholars said, "Beware of procrastinating. It is the greatest of the soldiers of Satan." The serious, non-procrastinating person and the one who rests on his hopes and puts off working are like two who are passing through a city while journeying. The serious, energetic one buys his provisions early and waits for his traveling out of the city. The procrastinator says, "I will wait, as perhaps we will stay here a month," and continues to put off buying his provisions and preparing for his departure, until the last minute wherein he becomes rushed and mistake prone. This is how people are in this world. Some of them are prepared and alert. When the angel of death comes, he is not sorrowful. Others are deceived by thinking they can procrastinate and they will despair when the time to move on comes. It is part of one’s nature to love laziness and dreams but then Iblees comes and builds upon that. This makes it difficult to struggle against him in that matter. But the one who is alert knows that he is in the middle of a battle. He knows that his enemy does not rest. And if it seems that he is resting, it is actually just part of his

Tuesday 22 November 2011

A Letter From Satan

I saw you yesterday as you began your daily chores. You awoke without stopping to pray.
As a matter of fact, you didn't even bless your meals, or pray before going to bed last night. You are so unthankful, I like that about you. I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have not changed your way of living, Fool, you are mine.
Remember, you and I have been going steady for years, and I still don't love you yet. As a matter of fact, I hate you, because I hate God. I am only using you to get even with God. He kicked me out of heaven, and I'm going to use you as long as possible to pay him back. You see, Fool, GOD LOVES YOU and HE has great plans in store for you. But you have yielded your life to me and I'm going to make your life a living hell. That way we'll be together twice. This will really hurt God. Thanks to you.
I'm really showing Him who's boss in your life. With all of the good times we've had .. We have been watching dirty movies, cursing people, out partying, stealing, lying, being hypocritical, indulging in fornication, overeating, telling dirty jokes, gossiping, back stabbing people, disrespecting adults and those in leadership position, NO respect for the mosque, bad attitudes: SURELY you don't want to give all this up.
Come on, Fool, let's burn together forever. I've got some hot plans for us. This is just a letter of appreciation from me to you. I'd like to say "THANKS" for letting me use you for most of your foolish life. You are so gullible, I laugh at you. When you are tempted to sin, you give in HA HA HA, you make me sick. Sin is beginning to take its toll on your life. You look 20 years older, I need new blood. So go ahead and teach some children how to sin.
All you have to do is smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, cheat, gamble, gossip, fornicate, and listen to and dance to the top 10 jams. Do all of this in the presence of children and they will do it too. Kids are like that. Well, Fool, I have to let you go for now. I'll be back in a couple of seconds to tempt you again. If you were smart, you would run somewhere, confess your sins, ask forgiveness from Him, live for God with what little bit of life that you have left. It's not my nature to warn anyone, but to be your age and still sinning, it's becoming a bit ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I still hate you...... IT'S JUST THAT YOU'D MAKE A BETTER FOOL FOR GOD.