This thread looks at Paradise and Hell

Paradise and Hell

Imagine that you knew the angel of death was coming to you in a few hours. What would your first thought be?

For most of us, it would be: What have I prepared for the next life?!

Doctors today speak of how people are living longer than ever before. In some countries, people live well beyond 90 years of age. Some of us may delay doing good deeds because we think we have a long life ahead of us. But, when Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) speaks of the Day of Judgment, He (swt) tells us that people will feel that they’ve only stayed in the dunya (this life) for a day or part of a day or even an hour. While 90 years is a long time to live, it does not compare to eternity. People will only realize that the next life is truly everlasting when they are standing in front of Allah (swt) and are seeing it with their own eyes. This is why the strongest motivation for a believer to do good deeds and stay away from sins, after seeking the pleasure of Allah (swt), is to remember death and the hereafter.

As humans, we are prone to forget and we are quickly distracted by the glitter of this world. To keep this reminder constantly in our minds, Allah (swt) mentions the hereafter on every page in the Qur’an.

Yet even though we are constantly reminded of Hell-Fire and Paradise in the Qur’an, we do not truly comprehend their nature because we do not understand their descriptions and meanings in the Qur’an and Sunnah (tradition of the Prophet ﷺ, peace be upon him). If we truly understood the nature of the Fire, we would fear it as it should be feared. And if we understood the real nature of Paradise, we would yearn for it as it deserves to be yearned for.

Allah (swt) discusses both Hell and Paradise equally in the Qur’an, displaying the balance of our religion. The two wings of a believer are fear and hope, and just as a bird cannot fly without balanced wings, the believer cannot either. Insha’Allah (God willing) we will be following this example for our series; posting one topic about Hell-Fire and the next about Paradise to balance our hope and fear in Allah (swt). Each week, we will learn about a new aspect of Hell or Paradise including:

The Names and Descriptions of Paradise and Hell
The Entrance into Paradise and Hell
The Food and Clothing of Paradise and Hell
The Entertainment of Paradise and Hell
The Conversations of the Inhabitants of Paradise and Hell
The Supplications of those in Paradise and Hell
The first part we will cover are the Names and Descriptions of Paradise and Hell. By learning their names and descriptions, we will be able to comprehend the true nature of jannah (Paradise) and nar (Hell-Fire). Names and descriptions allow us to understand different aspects of each, as each name and description gives us a new perspective on these final abodes.

Understanding the Fire

When we think of Hell-Fire, we compare it to the fire that we have in this world. We think of our stove or fireplace; yet the Fire of Hell is more intense and severe. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Your [ordinary] fire is one of 70 parts of the (Hell) Fire.” Someone said, “O Allah’s Apostle, this [ordinary] fire would have been sufficient (as a punishment)!” Allah’s Apostle ﷺ said, “The (Hell) Fire has 69 parts more than the ordinary [worldly] fire, each part is as hot as this [worldly] fire.” (Bukhari)

In another well-known narration, the Prophet ﷺ said, Hell-Fire will be brought forth on the Day of Judgment with 70,000 zimaam each pulled by 70,000 Angels,” (Muslim). The word zimaam is usually translated as “chains” but a more fitting translation is “leashes”. What do leashes restrain? They restrain animals. Hell-Fire is a living, breathing monster. To put this into perspective, let us remember the magnificent creation of the Angels. The Prophet ﷺ described the Angels who hold Allah’s Throne saying, “The distance between his ear-lobes and his shoulders is equivalent to a seven-hundred-year journey,” (Abu Dawud). The Angels are not a small creation, and they will be pulling and restraining this monster.

Allah (swt) describes the animalistic nature of the Fire in the Qur’an:

إِذَا رَأَتْهُمْ مِنْ مَكَانٍ بَعِيدٍ سَمِعُوا لَهَا تَغَيُّظًا وَزَفِير

“When the Hellfire sees them from a distant place, they will hear its fury and roaring,” (Qur’an 25:12).

Before the inhabitants of the Fire even see it, they will hear its anger and rage from far away. How far? Imam Al-Suddi says the distance of 100-years’ travel.

Allah (swt) uses a human emotion to describe the Fire, gaydh, which means a furious anger and rage. Why is the Fire angry? The scholars say that it is angry at peoples’ disbelief and disobedience to Allah (swt)!

Allah (swt) tells us how the Fire will roar:

إِذَآ أُلْقُواْ فِيهَا سَمِعُواْ لَهَا شَهِيقًا وَهِىَ تَفُورُ تَكَادُ تَمَيَّزُ مِنَ الغَيْظِ

“When they are thrown into it, they hear from it a (dreadful) inhaling while it boils up. It almost bursts with rage […]” (Qur’an 67:7-.

Jahannam, Jaheem, and Hutumah

Among the names of Hell-Fire is jahannam. Jahannam  (جهنم) appears in the Qur’an 77 times, and is one of the more well-known names of Hell-Fire. Allah (swt) says:

وَلِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِرَبِّهِمْ عَذَابُ جَهَنَّمَ

“And for those who disbelieved in their Lord is the punishment of jahannam […]” (Qur’an 67:6).

Jahannam has several meanings:

The literal meaning is to meet with a frowning face and to have a stern look. When you look at a person who has jahm, you become fearful.
Darkness. Jahm is used for the darkest part of the night. One of the biggest fears people have is being in complete darkness. Jahannam is a dark place where you don’t want to be alone.
A waterless cloud. A cloud without water brings disappointment and does not provide any comfort.
Put these meanings together and jahannam is a place that looks scary, is completely dark, and provides no comfort.

Another name of Hell-Fire is jaheem. Allah (swt) says:

وَبُرِّزَتِ الْجَحِيمُ لِلْغَاوِينَ

“And Hellfire will be brought forth for the deviators,” (Qur’an 26:91).

Al-Jaheem (الجحيم) appears 23 times in the Qur’an. These are among the meanings of this name:

The literal meaning is to light and stir up a fire–you add fuel and ensure it keeps burning.
The word jahama means to stare with sharp eyes, and refers to the way a lion stares at its prey.
The word ajham, from the same root, means someone who has red eyes.
Jaheem is also used for a pit with blazing fire–and not just any fire, but an extremely hot, intense, and fiercely-burning fire.
Next time Shaytan (the devil) whispers to you and you are inclined to commit a sin, remember this description of Hell-Fire, like a lion staring at its prey, waiting to pounce on it:

إِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ كَانَتْ مِرْصَادًا

“Indeed, Hell has been lying in wait,” (Qur’an 78:21).

Another name of Hell-Fire is al-hutamah. Allah (swt) says about the one who slanders and backbites:

لَيُنبَذَنَّ فِي الْحُطَمَةِ

وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا الْحُطَمَةُ

نَارُ اللَّهِ الْمُوقَدَةُ

“No! He will surely be thrown into al hutamah. And what can make you know what is al hutamah? It is the fire of Allah, [eternally] fueled,” (Qur’an 104:4-6).

Hutamah is one of the descriptive names of the Hell-Fire and it is from the word hatama which means to crush something to pieces. Hutamah is also used to describe a person who eats a lot and is never satisfied. When we eat, we must chew our food first, and then we are able to digest it. Similarly, the Hell-Fire will crush everything as it consumes.  It will crush and mash everything thrown into it. Allah (swt) tells us in Surah Qaaf (Chapter of the letter ‘Qaaf’) that Hell-Fire will say: hal min mazeed? “Is there any more (to consume)?” (Qur’an 50:30)

Allah (swt) describes al-hutamah further by saying it is: naar allahil mooqadah: it is the fire of Allah, kindled.

This Fire is attributed to Allah (swt) and when the idaafah (possession) of something is to Allah (swt), it gives great importance to that thing. Hell is such a great fire that only Allah (swt) can light a fire of this nature.

It is al-mooqadah: the one that is kindled. It is already burning right now; it has been lit and set ablaze. It is not going to be started on the Day of Judgment.

Futhermore Allah (swt) says:

الَّتِي تَطَّلِعُ عَلَى الْأَفْئِدَةِ

“Which mounts directed at the hearts,” (Qur’an 104:7).

This fire will not be limited to the external body, rather it is going to consume the body and reach the core. It will penetrate through the body. This hutamah will be such a great consumer that it will consume all the way to the hearts.

This is Hell-Fire: a fierce Fire that is the crusher of bones, bursting with rage and fury and brought forth before us with leashes pulled by 70,000 angels.

O Allah, we beg You to protect us from this abode!

http://www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/purification-heart/paradise-and-hell/

Understanding Paradise
AMATULLAH

A place like we have never seen. A place we can hardly imagine. A place of no sadness, no hardships, no heartache. Eternal bliss. A place that we crave and that craves us. Allah subahanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) has blessed us with a gift beyond measure that makes every struggle we have ever had to endure worthwhile.

Jannah. Paradise.

Understanding Paradise



Paradise is the ultimate achievement, the epitome of success and the greatest of rewards. Allah (swt) rewards His obedient servants with Paradise—a reward we only earn through His Mercy. The Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) said: “No one of you will be saved because of his deeds.” They (the Companions) said: “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “Not even me, unless Allah bestows mercy upon me,” (Bukhari).

While the translation of this narration says, “unless Allah bestows mercy upon me,” the Arabic word has a deeper meaning. “Yataghamadani” literally means “to completely submerge me.”1 It gives the meaning of envelopment, engulfment, covering and immersing. Paradise is so magnificent that we can only enter it if Allah (swt) drowns us in His Mercy.

In a prophetic narration, Allah (swt) said to Paradise, “You are My Mercy which I bestow on whoever I wish of My servants,” (Bukhari).

On the Day of Judgment, Allah (swt) will bring Jannah in the presence of the Believers. He (swt) says, “And Paradise will be brought near to the righteous, not far,” (Qur’an, 50:31). After enduring the hardships of this worldly life and the grave, then seeing the horrors of the Day of Judgment, Allah (swt) eases the hearts of the Believers by bringing their final destination close to them before they enter it.2 Imagine you are a traveler on a long and arduous journey. When you come closer and closer to your destination, you forget the hardships you’ve endured because your end is in sight. Now imagine the state of the Believers at this time—instead of walking to jannah on their own, jannah will come to them!

Jannah is beyond our imagination. The Messenger ﷺ narrated that Allah (swt) said, “I have prepared for My righteous slaves that which no eye has seen, no ear has heard and has never crossed the mind of any human being.” The gardens, fruits, mansions, drinks, trees and rivers of Paradise are not like those we see now; rather they only share a similar name. Jannah is far greater than anything our minds can ever envision. It is beyond our wildest dreams.

Jannah, Al-Firdaws, ‘Adn, and Dar al-Salaam

Jannah in itself has many names, signifying its utmost importance. Simply by looking at the meanings of a few of these names our hearts become attached to our hopeful abode, knowing that if this is the beauty that exists within each of her names, what then of the actuality of jannah?

The most well-known name of jannah is jannah itself. It appears more than 50 times in the Qur’an.

Allah (swt) says:



“And as for those who were [destined to be] prosperous, they will be in al-jannah [Paradise], abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure, except what your Lord should will – a bestowal uninterrupted.” (Qur’an, 11:108)

The root of this word has several meanings. Of them are:

To be hidden. The name for a fetus is known as “jinan” because it is hidden in its mother’s womb. Also, from this root is “jinn” because they are a hidden creation.
A garden with many trees and vegetation.
Allah (swt) has hidden jannah from us in this world, but we still believe in it. It motivates us more to strive for it. When a gift is described to us before we see it, it excites us more and makes us happier when we finally receive it. Allah (swt) and His Messenger ﷺ have given us beautiful descriptions of jannah to motivate us to do good deeds and to make it more special when we enter it, insha’ Allah (God willing).

The next name, al-firdaws, is the name of the highest place in jannah. The Prophet ﷺ said, “When you ask Allah (for something), ask for al-firdaws which is the best and highest part of Paradise,” (Bukhari).

It is used in two places in the Qur’an, one of which is this verse in Surah Kahf (Chapter of the Cave): “Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – they will have al-Firdaws [the Gardens of Paradise] as a lodging, wherein they abide eternally. They will not desire from it any transfer.” (Qur’an, 18:107-108)

The word firdaws is said to be of a non-Arabic origin, literally meaning vastness. The scholars give multiple meanings and descriptions of firdaws: a combined meaning of a trellised garden, specifically with grapevines, as well as fruits and vegetation of all kinds.3

The fact that Paradise is a garden is emphasized with both of these names highlighting the beauty that gardens have. Nowadays, the mere sight of greenery, flowers and trees brings about calmness and tranquility to the heart. Paradise is a place full of green trees, beautiful flowers, and trellised gardens. Not only beautiful in appearance, but also beautiful in the emotions it triggers.

Another name of jannah is `adn. `Adn is known as the proper name of Paradise, and included within the name is a meaning of many gardens – jannat. Jannah is not just one big garden; it also contains many, many gardens within it. Allah (swt) says, “[Therein are] jannat `adn [gardens of perpetual residence] which the Most Merciful has promised His servants in the unseen. Indeed, His promise has ever been coming,” (Qur’an, 19:61).

`Adn literally means a place of residence. A word from the same root, ma`din, means a place that people stay in during summer and winter. `Adn also refers specifically to the middle of a garden where rivers meet, producing more trees and vegetation around it. Again, we see the characteristic of gardens and vegetation within this name of Paradise.

Jannah is also called dar al-salaam:



“And Allah invites to dar al-salaam [the Home of Peace] and guides whom He wills to a straight path.” (Qur’an, 10:25)



In another verse, Allah (swt) says about the Righteous, “For them will be dar al-salaam with their Lord,” (Qur’an, 6:127).

Al-Salaam is one of the Majestic Names of Allah (swt). It has two meanings: the One free of all faults and deficiencies (The Perfection) and the Giver of Peace and Security.4 From these similar meanings, jannah is called dar al-salaam because it is a place free of all grief, death, worries, tensions, fatigues, enmities, and hatred; and it is a place of safety. It is also called dar al-salaam because Allah (swt), Al-Salaam, will greet its inhabitants as they enter. He (swt) says, “[…] their greeting therein will be, ‘Peace,’” (Qur’an 10:10). Similarly, the Angels will also greet them: “And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, [saying], ‘Peace be upon you [assalaamu `alaykum] for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home,’” (Qur’an, 13:23-24).

Yet another meaning of dar al-salaam is that it is a place where its speech is salaam—meaning free of all negative and evil talk. As Allah (swt) describes, “They will not hear therein ill speech or commission of sin – Only a saying: ‘Peace, peace,’” (Qur’an, 56:25-26).

It is dar al-salaam because there will be no enmity nor hatred among the inhabitants of Paradise. The Prophet ﷺ said, “They will neither have differences nor hatred amongst themselves; their hearts will be as if one heart,” (Bukhari). Allah (swt) says, “And We will remove whatever is in their breasts of resentment, [so they will be] brothers, on thrones facing each other,” (Qur’an, 15:47).

Allah (swt) says about the Believer who dies in a good state, “Then [the angels will say], “Peace for you; [you are] from the companions of the right,” (Qur’an, 56:91). The believer will have salaam (peace): they will leave this worldly life in a good state, with the Angels giving them glad tidings of Paradise, protection from the Fire, and the ultimate pleasure of their Lord.

http://www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/purification-heart/understanding-paradise/

Who can escape the Fire?
AMATULLAH

Hell-Fire is filled with torments and punishments beyond our imagination, but the main characteristic of Hell is fire. Many of the various names of Hell show us different aspects of this Fire, giving us a complete picture of how terrible and terrifying it really is.

Of these names is Sa’eer, Allah (swt) commands the Prophet ﷺ, “and warn of the Day of Assembly, about which there is no doubt. A party will be in Paradise and a party in al-Sa’eer.” (Qur’an, 42:7)

Sa’eer comes from a word which means to set something ablaze. It means to make a fire bigger and to keep it burning. Sa’eer refers to a fire that has been set ablaze, it is not dying out or almost finishing. It is not an ordinary fire that is set on the stove; it is fierce, it is furious and severe in its flames.

Allah (swt) depicts to us the situation of the Companions of the Fire: “Their refuge is Hell; every time it subsides We increase them in blazing fire (sa’eer).” (Qur’an, 17:97) There is nothing in life that is permanent; even the pain of a wound will diminish one day. The Fire of Hell, however, will never diminish.

Whenever the Fire is about to die out, Allah (swt) says He will increase them in their burning and the Fire will never be extinguished. Each time the punishment lessens because their skins are completely burned, their skins will be replaced and their ability to burn will be renewed. When those in Hell-Fire think they have a break from this punishment, they will be increased in it.

Not only will they be increased in this punishment, but they will never be removed from it, nor will they receive any assistance: “Abiding therein forever, they will not find a protector or a helper.” (Qur’an, 33:65) They will not find anyone to help them in the task of trying to get out of the Fire, nor any defender to come and save them from the punishment.

Allah (swt) says the inhabitants of Hell will be, “In samoom and boiling water.” (Qur’an, 56:42)

Samoom is another name of Hell-Fire which describes the fierce, flame-like wind of Hell-Fire. Samoom literally means poison, and it is used to describe a wind that is scorching and extremely hot; as if the heat is penetrating inside you. It is also the name of a hot sandstorm. Samoom carries three meanings:

1- Extreme heat

2- That which can kill the other

3- Smokeless fire

Samoom is a heat storm that is poisonous in its effect and goes through the pores of a person, burning their skins. Have you ever been in a sandstorm? Or In extreme scorching wind? How does it feel?

The believers will specifically thank Allah (swt) for protecting them from the punishment of Samoom; as they feared it in the dunya (world): They will say: “Before, we were afraid (of the punishment of Allah) in the midst of our families. So Allah has been gracious to us, and has saved us from the torment of the Samoom (Scorching Fire and Wind).” (Qur’an, 52:26-27)

While the fires we see now have an orange color, the Fire of Hell will be dark and gloomy, and the flames will not give off light. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The Fire of Hell was burned for 1000 years until it became red. It was then burned for 1000 years till it became white. It was then burned for 1000 years till it became black. It is now intense black in color.” (At- Tirmidhi)

Allah (swt) tells us that the disbelievers will never be removed from the Fire, “Every time they want to get out of Hellfire from anguish, they will be returned to it, and [it will be said], “Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire!” (Qur’an, 22:22) Fudayl ibn Ayyadh also said about this ayah, “I swear by Allah they will not escape from the Fire; their feet are chained, their hands fettered and the flames will raise them up while the hooks (of Hell) lower them down again.”

The name of Hell-Fire, Saqar, also illustrates for us another horrifying aspect of this Fire.

Allah (swt) says about the state of the criminals on the Day of Judgment: “The Day they will be dragged on their faces into the Fire (it will be said to them): “Taste the touch of Saqar!” (Qur’an, 54:48) The criminals will be humiliated by being dragged on their faces–the most honorable part of our bodies and it will be said to them: ‘taste the touch of saqar!’ When we think of ‘taste’, it gives us the connotation of experiencing something slowly. So those in Hell will taste the Fire: they will endure it bit by bit, slowly and painfully.

Imagine the difference of feeling the heat of an oven, and opening the door and experiencing the heat directly on your face. The criminals will feel the Fire directly; they will receive this torment firsthand in a slow and penetrating manner.

Saqar, which means to burn, appears four times in the Qur’an. The root meaning of Saqar means to injure and change the form of something by heat and to scorch something. Other root meanings include:

Extreme heat of the sun which causes the appearance to change.
An intensely hot day
Violent strokes of the sun
The use of saqar gives two meanings: Firstly, extreme heat that will cause alteration in the complexion and skin. (Have you ever received a sun burn?). Secondly, extreme heat that will cause pain. (Have you ever received a headache after a long day in the heat?)

From this literal definition, we learn that Saqar is extreme heat that melts, changes the nature and appearance of something, and in particular, changes the skin and surface; as well as extreme heat that causes pain and discomfort.

Allah (swt) asks us in Surah Muddaththir,

“And what will make you know (exactly) what Saqar is?” (Qur’an, 74:27)

Then He gives us the definition of Saqar:

“It spares not, nor does it leave!” (Qur’an,74:28)

Saqar does not let anything remain: Everything that goes into this fire will be burned.

And it does not leave behind: This fire will affect everyone and no part of them will be left untouched by the fire.

Furthermore it is: “Burning and blackening the skins!” (Qur’an, 74:29)

This Saqar is lawwaahah: laaha is when skin darkens due to exposure to heat, fire, and also from hard work and thirst. This Fire will have a terrible effect on the skin of human beings, leaving their skins crisp and black. The structure of this word shows us the continuous effect of the Saqar, it not only burns once, but it continues to burn the skins again and again.

As if this description was not enough to strike fear into our hearts, Allah (swt) ends these ayaat (verses) with a reminder:

“Over it are nineteen.” (Qur’an, 74:30)

Upon it are 19 angels, stern and strong, who do not disobey the command of Allah (swt).

Who then, can escape from Saqar?

Sources

Tafsir ibn Kathir
Lisan al-Arab dictionary
Al-Huda Institute’s Ta’leem al-Qur’an course

Paradise: Safe and Sound
Amatullah | October 12, 2011 12:25 am

After enduring the hardships of the dunya (this world) and the horrors of the grave and Last Day, Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) will bless the believers with something that will make their worries and fears disappear: a safe, secure and everlasting home. A home where they will never endure or even encounter the emotions of fear, sadness, regret, unhappiness and anxiety. A home where their Lord will welcome them by saying, “O My servants, no fear will there be concerning you this Day, nor will you grieve,” (Qur’an, 43:68).

One of Allah’s greatest blessings, in this life and the next, is safety and security. It is an easily forgotten blessing because we are so accustomed to having a safe home and country. As we saw with recent events in the Middle East and in London, chaos erupts when the blessing of safety is taken away.

This blessing is even greater in the hereafter, when people will not have a safe haven or someone to protect them. That is why Allah (swt) highlights the quality of safety in Paradise by saying, “Indeed, the righteous will be in a secure place [al-maqam al-ameen],” (Qur’an, 44:51).

The word ameen is from amn, an inclusive word used to describe all types of peace and safety. The dwellers of jannah (paradise) will be safe from all types of diseases, from physical harm and distress, from emotions other than happiness and joy, and from ever leaving Paradise. They will never again suffer physical pain such as headaches, injuries, illnesses, or the pains of menstruation, fatigue, nausea, and exhaustion. They will never again endure mental pain such as depression, sadness, fear, anxiety, heart-break, anger, or envy.

Paradise will be completely free of any harm in any form. Jibreel (Gabriel) `alayhi salaam (peace be upon him) once came to the Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) and told him, “O Allah’s Apostle! This is Khadija coming to you with meat soup. When she reaches you, greet her on behalf of her Lord and on my behalf, and give her the glad tidings of a palace in Paradise wherein there will be neither any noise nor any fatigue,” (Bukhari). Jibreel (as) depicted Paradise as a place of rest and peace of mind.

Allah (swt) says about the righteous, “They will call therein for every [kind of] fruit – safe and secure [amineen],” (Qur’an, 44:55). Allah (swt) describes their situation as embodying all aspects of safety—in their bodies, minds and surroundings. Allah (swt) will also bless them with another level of safety mentioned in this verse—the security from lack of food. This verse also means that they will be safe from becoming sick from these foods. Allah (swt) granted them safety in their surroundings as well as safety in their sustenance. Allah (swt) says, “Indeed, this is Our provision; for it there is no depletion,” (Qur’an, 38:54).

Allah (swt) calls jannah, “a bestowal uninterrupted,” (Qur’an, 11:108). Jannah will be a place of peace of mind—the believers will never have to worry about worrying! Everything from their food to their mental health will be flawless. And the best part of it all? “Nor from it will they [ever] be removed,” (Qur’an 15:48).

The Believers will never leave jannah because they will never die again. Allah (swt) says, “They will not taste death therein except the first death, and He will have protected them from the punishment of Hellfire / As bounty from your Lord. That is what is the great attainment,” (Qur’an, 44:56-57). Death is a terrifying experience, and Allah (swt) will not make the Believers go through it again after they have faced it in the dunya. Allah (swt) said, “I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him,” (Bukhari). Death is a constant fear that is always in the back of our minds: When will we leave this earth? How will we leave? What will I go through in the next life? But these questions and fears will never go through the minds of the righteous in Paradise. Allah (swt) protects them from the physical aspect of death as well as the mental distress it brings.

The Believers will say after entering Paradise and grasping the fact that they will never go through any distress, “Praise to Allah who has removed from us [all] sorrow. Indeed, our Lord is Forgiving and Appreciative – He who has settled us in the home of duration out of His bounty. There touches us not in it any fatigue, and there touches us not in it weariness [of mind].” (Qur’an 35:34-35).

Their immediate reaction to learning of their complete safety—not including the physical bounties and pleasure of Paradise—is genuine gratefulness and thanks to their Lord. The Believers specifically call upon Allah (swt) with two of His Beautiful Qualities, Ghafoor (All-Forgiving) and Shakoor (Ever-Appreciative). These two Names capture the gratitude of the Believers in this moment—for their Lord has forgiven their sins and overlooked their wrongdoings, while appreciating their good deeds by blessing them with a gift beyond their imagination. As believers we experience the Mercy of Allah (swt) in this worldly life, but we hope to be of those who experience the full extent of their Lord’s Infinite Mercy and Compassion in the hereafter.

http://www.suhaibwebb.com/relationships/withthedivine/paradise-safe-and-sound/

The Entrance into Hell-Fire
Amatullah |


Allah (swt) paints a picture for us in the Qur’an of one of the greatest losers:

“But as for he who is given his record in his left hand, he will say, “Oh, I wish I had not been given my record and had not known what is my account! My wealth has not availed me! Gone from me is my authority!” (Qur’an, 69:25-29)

In the hereafter, our aspirations, intentions and beliefs will be put on display. This person thought that their wealth and power would save them but realized this was false hope after facing the reality. He says in his utter despair and regret that the two avenues of salvation he was relying on amounted to absolutely nothing. That is the definition of a loser.

What happens next to this person? Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (exalted is He) will announce to the keepers of Hell:

“Seize him and shackle him! Then into Hellfire drive him! Then fasten him with a chain whereof the length is seventy cubits!” (Qur’an, 69:30-32)

The English translation does not capture the terror of these verses. When Allah (swt) gives these orders, He (swt) is not speaking to one Angel, rather He (swt) is addressing a group of Angels to take hold of this person, tie him up with chains, then throw him into Hell-Fire. No one will enter the Fire willingly, so it takes a group of strong and stern Angels to take people to the Hell-Fire.

Chains

Even though these Angels are strong enough to restrain the sinners and disbelievers who will enter the Fire, Allah (swt) will order the Angels to secure them with chains and fetters – another level of punishment and humiliation for them. Allah (swt) says, “Those who deny the Book and that with which We sent Our messengers – they are going to know, When the shackles are around their necks and the chains.” (Qur’an, 40:70-71)

After they are chained individually, they will then be chained together: “And when they are thrown into a narrow place therein bound in chains, they will cry out thereupon for destruction.” (Qur’an, 25:13) We know that Hell-Fire is huge, but it will feel as if it is a tight and cramped place. Their state is described as muqaraneen, which means they will all be tied together. One of the biggest fears people have today is claustrophobia, the fear of narrow spaces. Those destined for the Fire will experience the fear of claustrophobia on a much greater level. This punishment shows that the torments of the Fire will not only be physical but also psychological.

Different ways of Entering the Fire

After being seized, shackled and chained together, they will then enter the Fire. Some will enter differently than others, and Allah (swt) shows this in the Qur’an.

Some will be thrown into the Fire:

“The criminals will be known by their marks, and they will be seized by the forelocks and the feet.” (Qur’an, 55:41) The Angels will grab these people by their foreheads and feet and throw them in the Fire. We can only imagine how humiliating it is to be detained in such a position.

Others will be pushed into the Fire:

“The Day they are thrust toward the fire of Hell with a [violent] thrust.” (Qur’an, 52:13) Some of us who have experienced being pushed somewhere or having to do something against our will can attest to how powerless it makes one feel and how terrifying it can be. These people will be pushed into Hell-Fire against their will because no one will enter the Fire willingly.

Some will be dragged into the Fire:

“The Day they are dragged into the Fire on their faces.” (Qur’an, 54:48) Our face is the most honorable part of our bodies, revealing how degrading it will be for the disbelievers and sinners to be dragged on it.

Finally, some people will enter the Fire unexpectedly:

“And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups until, when they reach it, its gates are opened.” (Qur’an, 39:71) This verse is one of the many miracles of Qur’anic composition, showing how every addition and subtraction of a word has an impact on the meaning. When Allah (swt) says that the disbelievers will be taken to Hell-Fire in groups, He (swt) does not include a conjunction between that statement and the statement that the gates will be opened. Meaning, Allah (swt) does not say, “then the gates will be opened” but simply, “its gates are opened”. The English translation does not capture the profound meaning of this verse. The scholars say that the omission of the Arabic letter waw (which can mean “and” as well as “then”) shows that the gates will open all of a sudden, without warning, on the disbelievers. Being thrown and pushed into the Fire are terrifying, but this entrance into the Fire is unquestionably the scariest.

Greetings

Just as we are greeted by the inhabitants when we enter a new location, the companions of the Fire will also be greeted – but their greeting will not be one of welcome and pleasure. Instead, Allah (swt) says, “The day they see the angels – no good tidings will there be that day for the criminals, and [the angels] will say, “Prevented and inaccessible.” (Qur’an, 25:22) They will be prevented from Paradise, and unable to access anything that will bring relief, happiness or comfort.

Allah (swt) says in another ayah (verse): “No welcome for them!” (Qur’an, 38:59) Rather, the Angels will greet them with mocking questions:

“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?” (Qur’an, 39:71)

The Angels will repeat this question over and over, “Every time a company is thrown into it, its keepers ask them, “Did there not come to you a warner?” (Qur’an, 67:

It is as if the Angels are saying, “How could you have known about this Fire yet you still entered it?! Were you not warned of it?!” This is adding insult to injury, showing yet another aspect of the psychological trauma of those in Hell-Fire.

We seek Allah’s refuge from the Fire!

http://www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/purification-heart/the-entrance-into-hell-fire/

Entering Paradise
Amatullah


Allah paints a picture in the Qur’an of the most successful person: “So as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will say, ‘Here, read my record! Indeed, I was certain that I would be meeting my account.’ So he will be in a pleasant life – In an elevated garden.” (Qur’an, 69:19-22)

This is the description of the Believer on the Day of Judgment – receiving his book in his right hand and sharing the good news to those around him out of pure joy and happiness. Allah (swt) says that this believer will be in Jannah (paradise).

While the disbelievers will be seized, chained, and then dragged, thrown, or pushed into the Fire, the Believers will be treated like royalty. Allah (swt) says, “On the Day We will gather the righteous to the Most Merciful like a band presented before a king for honor.” (Qur’an, 19:85)

They will not be humiliated like those in the Fire. Rather Allah (swt) says, “they will not be grieved by the greatest terror, and the angels will meet them, [saying], “This is your Day which you have been promised.” (Qur’an, 21:103) The Angels remind the believers that they should not worry and that they are safe – today is the Day they will receive the ultimate reward.

Allah (swt) will also give the Believers a light on the Day of Judgment that will brighten their faces and surroundings. Allah (swt) says, “On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right, [it will be said], “‘Your good tidings today are [of] gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein you will abide eternally.’ That is what the great attainment.” (Qur’an, 57:12) While the disbelievers were dragged on their faces, the faces of the Believers “will be bright.” (Qur’an, 80:38) And “You will recognize in their faces the radiance of pleasure.” (Qur’an, 83:24)

We see in these verses that the Believers are told again and again that they are heading to Paradise, which heightens their excitement and also calms their worries of entering Hell-Fire.

Driven

Allah (swt) illustrates how the Believers will enter Paradise, “But those who feared their Lord will be driven to Paradise in groups.” (Qur’an, 39:73) Ibn Kathir says in his tafseer (exegesis) that this driving is one of “honor and esteem.” We can compare this to how royals, presidents, and celebrities are driven around comfortably in expensive cars. In the hereafter, this special driving will only be for the Believers. They will be riding first class to Paradise.

While they are being driven to Paradise, Paradise itself will come to them. Allah (swt) says, ““And Paradise will be brought near to the righteous, not far” (Qur’an, 50:31). Jannah comes closer to the Believers while they also come close to it – showing how the love to meet the other is mutual.

Reception

The believers will not have to open the doors of Paradise themselves; rather they will be opened for them before they even reach it, showing how they will receive a noble reception. Allah (swt) says, “Gardens of perpetual residence, whose doors will be opened to them.” (Qur’an, 38:50) It is a sign of courtesy today to open doors for others, and the Believers will experience this on behalf of Allah (swt)! The word (mufattahah) in this ayah is significant because it shows how the companions of Jannah are honored in a way we may not even think about: the doors are wide open for their arrival.

Greetings

Allah (swt) says about the Believers, “Their greeting the Day they meet Him will be, “Peace.” And He has prepared for them a noble reward.” (Qur’an, 33:44) Salaam Alaikum (May peace be on you) is not only the greeting of this world, but it is also the greeting of the hereafter.

As the Believers enter the wide open doors of Paradise, the Angels will start to greet them by saying, “Peace be upon you; you have become pure; so enter it to abide eternally therein! [they will enter].” (Qur’an, 39:73)

The Angels will welcome the Believers – congratulating them on their hard work and perseverance, “Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured! And excellent is the final home.” (Qur’an, 13:24)

The Believers will also have the honor of receiving the greeting of “Peace,” a word from a Merciful Lord.” (Qur’an, 36:57) We see why the attribute of Mercy is mentioned in this ayah: Allah (swt) out of His Love and Gratitude for the Righteous will greet them in Paradise. You may win a chance to visit the White House, but the chance of having a special welcome from the President is very slim. Allah (swt), The King of Kings, The Most Majestic and Powerful, will greet and welcome His beloved slaves in their new home.

Put yourself in Jannah now: imagine your Lord – the One who you called upon privately, the One who you bowed your head to, the One who you kept away from sins for, the One who you thanked for your blessings – greeting you with Salam as you enter Paradise. Imagine what you would be feeling.

Allah (swt) recorded the reaction of the Believers in the Qur’an – and it’s probably exactly what you were thinking: “Praise to Allah, who has fulfilled for us His promise and made us inherit the earth [so] we may settle in Paradise wherever we will. And excellent is the reward of [righteous] workers!” (Qur’an, 39:74)

The Faces of the Hereafter: Humiliated and Disgraced
Amatullah

Without a doubt, our faces are the most honorable part of our body. Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) has fashioned our faces in perfect proportion and has made them unique for every one of us. When Allah (swt) mentions the qualities of `Isa `alayhi assalaam (peace be upon him) to his mother, He describes him as wajeehan, honorable, which is from the Arabic word for ‘face’, wajh. We learn from this that Allah (swt) has put honor in the faces of the children of Adam, and that `Isa (as) was a person who others felt reverence and respect towards when they saw his face.

When we look in the Qur’an and Sunnah (tradition of the Prophet ﷺ, peace be upon him), we find that Allah (swt) has chosen the most honorable part of our body for the most important Day to honor or abase His servants.

When the Day of Judgment arrives, immediately the faces of the disbelievers and criminals will change:

“But when they see it approaching, the faces of those who disbelieve will be distressed, and it will be said, ‘This is that for which you used to call!’” (Qur’an 67:27).

Allah (swt) tells us how they will be recognized:

“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 Allah 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,” (Qur’an 10:27).

They will feel so much humiliation that it will be noticeable on their faces. Allah (swt) uses a comparison in this verse, “as if their faces are covered with pieces of the night”, to show the extent of the disgrace that will cover them. When Allah (swt) describes faces in the hereafter as “white” or “black”, it does not refer to race or skin color. Rather the scholars of tafsir (exegesis or interpretation, i.e. of the Qur’an) explain it to be figurative for happiness and disgrace1 .

The faces of those who enter the Fire will be full of emotion:

“And [some] faces, that Day, will be contorted, / Expecting that there will be done to them [something] backbreaking,” (Qur’an 75:24-25).

Allah (swt) gives us an image of their faces by using the word basirah, meaning gloomy, miserable, scowling and scared. He (swt) further describes that if we were to see them, their faces would look as if they are expecting a great calamity. Imam as-Sa’di says that their faces will change because they know the magnitude of their punishment. Their inward feelings of humiliation result in the outwards manifestation of their gloomy and dejected faces.

In another verse, Allah (swt) depicts the state of their eyes:

“And [when] the true promise has approached; then suddenly the eyes of those who disbelieved will be staring [in horror, while they say], ‘O woe to us; we had been unmindful of this; rather, we were wrongdoers!’” (Qur’an 21:97).

Their eyes will be shakishah, which is used to describe the fixed eyes of a dead person. This word gives us a deeper meaning, showing that they will not blink out of fear and that their eyes will look disturbed and scary, just like the wide-open eyes of a dead person.

Finally, in one of the scariest descriptive verses, Allah (swt) shows us the effect of the Fire on their faces:

“The Fire will sear their faces, and they therein will have taut smiles,” (Qur’an 23:104).

Ya Rabb! (O Lord!) The Fire will burn their faces so badly that their lips will burn off to the point that their teeth only remain – giving a disturbing appearance, as if they are grinning.

How did these faces look in the dunya?

They were full of arrogant refusal:

“And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, you recognize in the faces of those who disbelieve disapproval. They are almost on the verge of assaulting those who recite to them Our verses […]” (Qur’an 22:72).

And they would mock the Believers with their eyes:

“Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. / And when they passed by them, they would exchange derisive glances,” (Qur’an 83:29-30).

Our faces are a way for us to express our feelings and thoughts, sometimes unintentionally. Allah (swt) has recorded astonishing descriptions of the feelings that will show on the faces of people in the hereafter. We see through these graphic verses that the Hereafter will be an emotional time for everyone – a time of ample joy and satisfaction for one group, and a time of humiliation and sadness for another.

Faces of the Hereafter: Radiant and Joyous
Amatullah

As we discussed in the last installment, our faces are the most honorable parts of our bodies. With our faces, we are able to express our emotions and feelings. Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) describes the faces of humankind in the hereafter to make their emotions more real so that we, in this lifetime, are able to imagine their expressions.

After Allah (swt) mentions the Day when family members will run away from their loved ones, He (swt) tells us:

“[Some] faces, that Day, will be bright – Laughing, rejoicing at good news.” (Qur’an 80:38-39)

For the Believers, that Day will be one of celebration. They made it into Paradise, by God’s Mercy:

“And as for those who were made to be happy, they will be in Paradise, abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure, except what your Lord should will – a bestowal uninterrupted.” (Qur’an 11:108)

When I think of celebrations, I immediately remember the crowds at Tahrir Square when Mubarak stepped down. I remember the happiness and joy on the faces of Egyptians. They were hugging each other, jumping up and down, waving their flags and chanting in celebration of their success.

Take that image and multiply it by a million. That will be the celebration of the Believers in the hereafter. Their joy will not come from winning a game, winning the lottery, or winning freedom for their country. Their joy will come from being among the special ones who receive the Mercy of Allah (swt) in its greatest manifestation. Their joy will come from being in Paradise with their beloved Messenger ﷺ (peace be upon him). Their joy will come from being saved from the Fire. Their joy will come from finally being with their Lord.

Their faces will beam with light and radiating expressions of happiness:

“[Other] faces, that Day, will show pleasure. With their effort [they are] satisfied in an elevated garden.” (Qur’an 88:8-10)

Allah (swt) describes in another verse:

“[Some] faces, that Day, will be radiant.” (Qur’an 75:22)

Radiance implies beauty, so their faces will not only be joyous and smiling, but beautiful and glowing. Some Believers will be blessed with having the brightest of faces. The Prophet ﷺ said, “A group of my Ummah (community) consisting of seventy thousand persons would enter Paradise; their faces would be as bright as the brightness of the full moon.” [Muslim]

If you have ever been outside during a full moon, then you know how bright it can be. The full moon gives off a serene light. Unlike the sun, it is not a light with intense heat. Looking directly at the sun can hurt your eyes, but looking directly at a full moon is enjoyable. The Prophet ﷺ used the example of the full moon to imply that their faces will be beautiful, radiant, and easy to look at.

Once, the Companions asked the Prophet ﷺ how he will recognize his followers that he has not met yet. He ﷺ told them: “My people would come with bright faces and bright hands and feet on account of the marks of ablution.” [Muslim]

While we may not see the physical remnants of our wudu’ (ablution) now, the parts of our body we wash in the course of our wudu’ will be illuminated on the Day of Judgment. And what is even more amazing is that these marks of wudu’ will be how our Prophet ﷺ will recognize us!

How did these bright and radiant faces look in the worldly life (dunya)?

They were humble and submissive:

“And they fall upon their faces weeping, and the Qur’an increases them in humble submission.” (Qur’an 17:109)

Recognizable through their worship:

“[…] Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. […]” (Qur’an 48:29)

Kind and forgiving:

“[…] [those] who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good.” (Qur’an 3:134)

These faces were humble, obedient and kind during the worldly life, and Allah (swt) will bless them with glowing faces in the hereafter.