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Jahannam

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In Islamic theology, Jahannam is the place of punishment for evildoers in the afterlife, also known as the Akhirah. This concept is an essential element of the Day of Judgment. The Day of Judgment is one of the six articles of faith in Sunnism. This faith is traditionally defined by belief in God, angels, books, prophets, the Day of Resurrection, and the decree.

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

Many Muslims believe that Jahannam coexists with the temporal world right now. This is similar to the belief regarding Jannah, or paradise. While some scholars debate its duration, the majority view is that Hell will last for eternity. Some other scholars wonder if God's mercy will eventually lead to its elimination.

The structure of Jahannam is described with great complexity in various Islamic sources. It is said to be enormous in size and located below Paradise. One common description states that it has seven levels. Each level is more severe than the one above it. It is also described as having seven gates. For every gate, there is a specific party of sinners assigned to it.

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

Some traditions describe it as a huge pit. The resurrected must walk over a bridge called As-Sirāt to cross it. The landscape within Jahannam includes mountains, rivers, valleys, and even oceans filled with disgusting fluids.

The term Jahannam has a long history linked to older traditions. The word comes from the Hebrew ge-hinnom, which refers to the Valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem. In the Hebrew Bible, this was an accursed valley where child sacrifices took place. Over time, this location became identified with a place of punishment.

Ge-Hinnom
Ge-Hinnom

In the Qur'anic narrative, the fire used for these ancient offerings is said to turn into Hellfire. Even the name of the guardian of Hell, Malik, may be linked to the Biblical figure Moloch. This shows how different religious narratives can connect through shared historical or linguistic roots.

There are many different names used to describe Hell in Islamic literature. These names often serve as the names for the different gates. Some names include al-nar, which means "the fire." Other names are jaheem, meaning "blazing fire," and sa’eer, which means "the blaze." Other terms include hutamah, meaning "that which breaks to pieces," and haawiyah, meaning "the abyss."

The Qur'an uses a variety of these terms. For example, the word for fire, nār, is used 125 times. The word Jahannam itself appears 77 times in the text.

The inhabitants of Jahannam are described as facing various types of suffering. This includes physical, psychological, and spiritual torment. The Qur'an mentions that punishments vary according to the sins of the person. Typical groups mentioned include disbelievers, polytheists, and hypocrites. It also includes those who commit serious crimes, such as murder, usury, or slandering a chaste woman.

Some historical figures, such as Pharaoh, are also mentioned in this context. The suffering is often described through skin sensation and digestion. Inmates may experience extreme thirst and hunger, eating from the cursed tree of Zaqqum.

Scholars have also speculated about the physical location of Jahannam on Earth. Because these traditions vary, not all descriptions are easily reconciled. Some thinkers believed the entrance to Hell might be in the sea. Others suggested it could be at a sulphurous well in Hadramawt, located in present-day Yemen.

Ibn arabi judgement day
Ibn arabi judgement day

Other locations mentioned include the Valley of Hinnom in Jerusalem or a gorge called Wadi Jahannam in present-day Afghanistan. One scholar, Al-Majlisī, even described Hell as surrounding the entire Earth. These different views show how much people have wondered about the unseen world.

Jahannam serves as a significant concept for understanding justice and morality within the faith. The descriptions of punishment often parallel the delights found in Jannah. For instance, the Qur'an describes the intense heat and boiling waters of Hell. This provides a contrast to the comforts of paradise. The concept of the afterlife is deeply connected to how people view their actions on Earth. It remains a central part of how many people understand the relationship between human behavior and divine justice.

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🖼️ 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
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