by Ghazala Hayat | STLtoday.com | April 1, 2011
"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)
Accepting the reality of heaven and hell is component of one of the six basic beliefs of Islam. We believe in Day of Judgment and life after death. Hell is the place and state of chastisement for the sinful on the Day of Judgment. On That day our deeds, good and bad will be in front of us; if the person has done more good during his stay on the earth he/she will enter Heaven. The unfortunates who were sinful will enter Hell.
Concept of blazing fire in Hell in Islam.
There are many words used for hell in Quran; the second most used term is the proper one, "Jahannam". The word "al-naar" (Fire) the most descriptive, is mentioned the most. It is described as "God's kindled fire, which reaches up to the hearts: it is closed in over them in long columns" (Quran 104:5-9). According to Quran, it is spread out above and below in layers, has black smoke, boiling water and poisonous hot wind.
The most common word used for punishment is "Adhab". The punishment will be of person and mind. All human senses will experience the torment of hell, visual; horrifying fire, the sensory; pain, the hearing (cries of others in torment). The sinners will also feel humiliation and recognize the people whom they led or followed to the wrong path.
Inhabitants of Heaven and hell though separated by a wall will be able to perceive and converse with each other. Both groups will testify that the assurances of God for rewards of good and evil deeds have been proven true.
The Quran also mentions who will enter hell. Disbelievers in God and especially if they die in that state, hypocrites, idolaters, the arrogant, those who treat religion as a pastime, have broken the treaty, made fun of God's messengers or reality of Day of Judgment. Murderers, ones misappropriating inheritance especially of orphans, slandering chaste women or claiming divinity for themselves on their own will dwell in hell.
At multiple places in Quran God mentions that if the human beings mend their ways and ask for forgiveness He will do so and enter them to Heaven. Most of the places where Hell is mentioned the beauty and peace of Heaven is also cited to show the contrast.
Muslims are obligated to pray to God five times a day. In each prayer we ask for forgiveness and protection from the fire of Hell.
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