Nepedia
Back to Discover
Fluent Reader
📖

Jahannam

philosophy religion Maturity 11-13 religion Next article →

This article covers sensitive topics: religion. Parents can manage visibility in Parental Controls.

In the Islamic faith, Jahannam is the name for hell. It is a place of punishment for those who do evil things. This belief is a very important part of Islamic theology. It is linked to the Day of Judgment, which is a key part of the faith. Many Muslims believe that Jahannam exists right now, just like Paradise does.

Paris, BnF, Supplément Turc 190 fol. 61r Muhammad visits Hell
Paris, BnF, Supplément Turc 190 fol. 61r Muhammad visits Hell

The concept is tied to how people live their lives on Earth. It serves as a way to think about justice and the afterlife.

Jahannam is described as a huge and scary place. Some sources say it has seven different levels. Each level is more severe than the one above it. It is also said to have seven gates for different groups of people.

Copenhagen, Davids Samling Inventarnummer 14-2014 fol. 1r Malik and Jibril open the gates of hell for Muhammad
Copenhagen, Davids Samling Inventarnummer 14-2014 fol. 1r Malik and Jibril open the gates of hell for Muhammad

The landscape includes mountains, rivers, and even oceans. These oceans might be filled with unpleasant fluids. Some people even describe it as a giant pit. People must cross a bridge called As-Sirāt to get past it.

History shows that the name Jahannam has deep roots. It comes from the Hebrew word Ge-Hinnom. This was a valley outside of Jerusalem. In older times, this valley was a place for many different things. Later, it became a symbol for a place of punishment.

Ge-Hinnom
Ge-Hinnom

Some scholars believe the stories of Jahannam were shaped by this history. Even the name of the guardian, Malik, may be linked to these old ideas. The term itself can also refer to just the top layer of hell.

The Qur'an gives many details about what happens in Jahannam. It uses many different names, like "the fire" or "the abyss."

There is a tree called Zaqqum that grows at the bottom. It is said to have heads of devils on it. People there may feel extreme hunger and thirst. They might drink boiling water or bitter fluids. The punishments can be physical, like fire, or psychological, like feeling deep regret.

Idris sees Paradise and Hell, Istanbul, Turkey, Topkapi Sarayi Müzesi, B. 249, fol. 16b
Idris sees Paradise and Hell, Istanbul, Turkey, Topkapi Sarayi Müzesi, B. 249, fol. 16b

Different people have different ideas about where Jahannam is located. Some scholars thought the entrance might be in the sea. Others looked to places like Yemen or Afghanistan. One scholar even suggested it surrounds the entire Earth.

Ibn arabi judgement day
Ibn arabi judgement day

There are also many disagreements about how long it lasts. Most people believe it will last forever. However, some scholars wonder if God's mercy will one day end it. This shows how much people wonder about the mysteries of the afterlife.

397 words

Where will your curiosity go next?

Keep exploring at your chosen reading level.

🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:Paris, BnF, Supplément Turc 190 fol. 61r Muhammad visits Hell.jpg
Paris, BnF, Supplément Turc 190 fol. 61r...
File:Ge-Hinnom.jpg
Ge-Hinnom.jpg
File:Copenhagen, Davids Samling Inventarnummer 14-2014 fol. 1r Malik and Jibril open the gates of hell for Muhammad.jpg
Copenhagen, Davids Samling Inventarnummer...
File:Copenhagen, Davids Samling Inventarnummer 14-2014 fol. 1v Muhammad meeting the tree Zaqqum.jpg
Copenhagen, Davids Samling Inventarnummer...
File:Idris_sees_Paradise_and_Hell,_Istanbul,_Turkey,_Topkapi_Sarayi_Müzesi,_B._249,_fol._16b.jpg
Idris_sees_Paradise_and_Hell,_Istanbul,_Tu...
File:Ibn arabi judgement day.svg
Ibn arabi judgement day.svg
File:Inferno Canto 34 (148619628).jpg
Inferno Canto 34 (148619628).jpg
More to explore

🔬 Go deeper

More advanced topics to explore

🪜 Step back

Simpler topics to build understanding

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.