Understanding the Levels of Hell
Jahannum, or Hell, is a profound and crucial concept in Islam. It represents the ultimate consequence for those who stray from the righteous path and deny Allah’s guidance. The teachings from various hadiths shed light on the nature of Jahannum, its different levels, and the punishment that awaits the sinners. This article explores key hadiths related to Jahannum, discussing the descriptions of its levels, the reasons for punishment, and significant lessons from these teachings. Each hadith is presented in English, Urdu, and Arabic, emphasizing its importance in understanding the consequences of one’s actions in this life.
Key Points from Each Hadith
The Nature of Jahannum
Jahannum is a reality that will be faced by sinners, illustrating the consequences of their actions.
Levels of Punishment
Each level of Jahannum has its specific punishments, reflecting the severity of the sins committed.
The Role of Angels
The angels of punishment, known as Zabanniyah, play a crucial role in administering the torments of Jahannum.
The Eternality of Punishment
The descriptions highlight the everlasting nature of the punishments in Jahannum, instilling a sense of urgency in adhering to Allah’s commands.
The Endless Descent into Jahannum
English Version
Narration: “If a rock is dropped into Jahannum, it will remain plummeting for seventy years before touching the pith of Jahannum.”
Source: Sahih Muslim
Urdu Version
“نقل: “اگر ایک پتھر جہنم میں گرا دیا جائے تو وہ ستر سال تک گرتا رہے گا یہاں تک کہ جہنم کے گہرائی تک پہنچ جائے گا۔”
ماخذ: صحیح مسلم”
Arabic Version
“النقل: “إن قَذَفَتْ حَجَرًا في جَهَنَّمَ، لَظَلَّتْ سَبعينَ عامًا تَهُوِي حتّى تَبلُغَ قَعرَ جَهَنَّمَ.”
المصدر: صحيح مسلم”
Discussion
This hadith emphasizes the immense depth of Jahannum and the enduring nature of its punishment. It signifies that even something as seemingly small as a rock takes an eternity to reach the bottom of Hell, symbolizing the severity and gravity of sin.
Main Points
- The vastness of Jahannum serves as a metaphor for the eternal consequences of one’s actions.
- This hadith serves as a warning, urging believers to reflect on their deeds and seek repentance.
The Heating of Jahannum
English Version
Narration: “Jahannum was heated for a thousand years until its fire turned red, then heated for another thousand years until it became white, and finally heated for another thousand years until it turned black. Currently, Jahannum is pitch black and dark.”
Source: Sunan Tirmidhi
Urdu Version
“نقل: “جہنم کو ایک ہزار سال تک گرم کیا گیا یہاں تک کہ اس کی آگ سرخ ہوگئی، پھر ایک ہزار سال تک گرم کیا گیا یہاں تک کہ وہ سفید ہوگئی، اور آخر میں ایک ہزار سال تک گرم کیا گیا یہاں تک کہ وہ سیاہ ہوگئی۔ اس وقت جہنم مکمل طور پر سیاہ اور تاریک ہے۔”
ماخذ: سنن ترمذی”
Arabic Version
“النقل: “جَهَنَّمُ أُحْمِيَتْ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ حَتَّى احْمَرَّتْ، ثُمَّ أُحْمِيَتْ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ حَتَّى أَبْيَضَّتْ، ثُمَّ أُحْمِيَتْ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ حَتَّى اسْوَدَّتْ. فَالْآنَ جَهَنَّمُ مُظْلِمَةٌ سَوَادٌ.”
المصدر: سنن الترمذي”
Discussion
This hadith vividly describes the process of heating Jahannum, underlining the extreme conditions of the afterlife. The imagery of colours transitioning from red to black illustrates the intensity of the flames and the despair that awaits those who earn Allah’s displeasure.
Main Points
- The transformation of Jahannum’s fire signifies the intensity of divine retribution.
- This serves as a reminder to believers about the importance of faith and obedience to Allah.
The Least Punishment in Jahannum
English Version
Narration: “Among the men of Jahannum, the least punishment will be that his shoes and laces will be made of fire, making his head boil like a cauldron.”
Source: Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim
Urdu Version
“نقل: “جہنم کے لوگوں میں سب سے کم عذاب یہ ہوگا کہ اس کے جوتے اور لسی آگ کے بنائے جائیں گے، جو اس کے سر کو ہنڈیا کی طرح ابلنے پر مجبور کرے گی۔”
ماخذ: صحیح بخاری، صحیح مسلم”
Arabic Version
“النقل: “مِنْ أَهْلِ جَهَنَّمَ أَقَلُّ عَذَابٍ سَيُجْعَلُ نَعْلَاهُ وَشَرَابُهُ مِنَ النَّارِ، فَيَغْلِي رَأْسَهُ كَغَلِيَانِ الْقِدْرِ.”
المصدر: صحيح البخاري، صحيح مسلم”
Discussion
This hadith illustrates that even the least punishment in Jahannum is unimaginable. The imagery of boiling heads signifies the intensity of suffering, making it clear that no punishment is light in the eyes of Allah.
Main Points
- The lesson emphasizes that even the smallest sins can lead to significant consequences in the afterlife.
- Believers should strive to avoid even minor infractions and seek forgiveness.
The Descent of Jahannum
English Version
Narration: “Hell will be brought on that day with seventy thousand reins, each rein carried by seventy thousand angels.”
Source: Sahih Muslim
Urdu Version
“نقل: “جہنم اس دن ستر ہزار زِماموں کے ساتھ لائی جائے گی، ہر زِمام کو ستر ہزار فرشتے اٹھائیں گے۔”
ماخذ: صحیح مسلم“
Arabic Version
“النقل: “تُؤْتَى جَهَنَّمُ يَوْمَئِذٍ لَهَا سَبْعُونَ أَلْفَ زِمَامٍ مَعَ كُلِّ زِمَامٍ سَبْعُونَ أَلْفَ مَلَكٍ يَجُرُّونَهَا.”
المصدر: صحيح مسلم”
Discussion
This hadith indicates the grandeur and the terrifying presence of Jahannum. The mention of countless angels signifies the seriousness of the situation and the ultimate fate awaiting the disbelievers.
Main Points
- The scale of Jahannum’s descent underlines its significance in the afterlife.
- Believers should prepare for the Day of Judgment and strive to avoid actions leading to Hellfire.
The Description of Jahannum by Jibril
English Version
Narration Jibril (peace be upon him) described Jahannum’s fire as burning for a thousand years until it turned black. He said, “If a link of the chain which Allah has described in His Book were placed on the mountains of the earth, they would melt.”
Source: Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat
Urdu Version
“نقل: جبرائیل (علیہ السلام) نے جہنم کی آگ کی تفصیل بیان کی کہ وہ ایک ہزار سال تک جلتی رہی یہاں تک کہ سیاہ ہوگئی۔ انہوں نے کہا: “اگر اللہ کی کتاب میں بیان کردہ زنجیر کا ایک کڑا زمین کے پہاڑوں پر رکھا جائے تو وہ پگھل جائیں گے۔”
ماخذ: المعجم الأوسط”
Arabic Version
“النقل: “وَصَفَ جِبْرِيلُ (عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ) نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ، قَالَ: إِنَّهَا تُحْمَى أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ حَتَّى تَسْوَدَّ. قَالَ: لَوْ وُضِعَتْ حَلْقَةٌ مِنَ الْحَبْلِ الَّذِي أَخْبَرَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ فِي كِتَابِهِ عَلَى الْجِبَالِ لَذَابَتْ.”
المصدر: المعجم الأوسط”
Discussion
The description by Jibril (peace be upon him) emphasizes the severe and unyielding nature of Jahannum. The metaphor of a chain melting mountains showcases the intense heat and torment awaiting sinners.
Main Points
- The imagery used portrays the terrifying reality of Jahannum.
- The hadith serves as a wake-up call for believers to lead a righteous life.
Conclusion
The hadiths about Jahannum provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature, severity, and eternal consequences of sin in the afterlife. They remind believers of the importance of faith, obedience to Allah, and the need for constant self-reflection and repentance. By grasping the weight of these teachings, individuals can strive to lead a life aligned with divine guidance and seek refuge from the torments of Jahannum.
Key Takeaways
- Jahannum is a profound reality for sinners, filled with eternal punishment.
- Each hadith serves as a reminder of the urgency of righteous living and seeking Allah’s mercy.
- Understanding the consequences of one’s actions can inspire believers to maintain their faith and avoid sin.