Meaning and Explanation
Jahannam (جَهَنَّمُ) is the Islamic concept of Hell, described in the Quran as a place of severe punishment for sinners and disbelievers. It is depicted as a realm of intense fire, suffering, and divine justice, reserved for those who reject faith and commit evil deeds.
Quranic References to Jahannam
| Surah | Verse | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Baqara (2) | 24 | “Fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.” |
| An-Nisa (4) | 56 | “Those who disbelieve in Our verses – We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted, We will replace them with fresh skins so they may taste the punishment.” |
| Al-Hijr (15) | 43-44 | “Indeed, Hell is the promised place for them all. It has seven gates; for each gate is an assigned portion of them.” |
| Al-Mulk (67) | 6-7 | “And for those who disbelieved in their Lord is the punishment of Hell, and wretched is the destination.” |
Levels of Jahannam
According to Islamic teachings, Jahannam has seven levels, each designated for different types of sinners:
- Jahannam – For general sinners and wrongdoers.
- Laza – For disbelievers who deny the truth.
- Hutamah – For those who accumulate wealth unjustly.
- Sa’ir – For those who reject faith and the Prophet.
- Saqar – For those who do not perform prayers.
- Jahim – For arrogant tyrants and oppressors.
- Hawiyah – The lowest level, for hypocrites and the worst sinners.
Characteristics of Jahannam
- Eternal flames and extreme heat (Quran 104:6-7)
- Scorching water and boiling food (Quran 88:5-7)
- Chains, shackles, and suffering (Quran 76:4)
- Seven gates with different levels of punishment (Quran 15:43-44)
Who Will Enter Jahannam?
- Disbelievers and idolaters (Quran 2:39)
- Hypocrites and those who reject the truth (Quran 4:145)
- Those who neglect their prayers (Quran 74:42-43)
- Arrogant and corrupt leaders (Quran 40:60)
- Those who spread mischief and oppression (Quran 28:41-42)
How to Avoid Jahannam?
Islam teaches that avoiding Jahannam requires:
- Belief in Allah and His Messenger (Shahadah)
- Performing good deeds and prayers (Salah, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj)
- Seeking forgiveness and repentance (Tawbah)
- Being kind, just, and merciful
- Following the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah
Translations of Jahannam in 25 Languages
| Language | Translation |
|---|---|
| English | Hell |
| Urdu | جہنم |
| Hindi | जहन्नम |
| Bengali | জাহান্নাম |
| Spanish | Infierno |
| French | Enfer |
| German | Hölle |
| Italian | Inferno |
| Portuguese | Inferno |
| Russian | Ад |
| Turkish | Cehennem |
| Persian | جهنم |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 地狱 |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 地獄 |
| Japanese | 地獄 |
| Korean | 지옥 |
| Arabic | جَهَنَّمُ |
| Malay | Neraka |
| Indonesian | Neraka |
| Swahili | Jahannamu |
| Dutch | Hel |
| Greek | Κόλαση |
| Hebrew | גֵּיהִנוֹם |
| Thai | นรก |
| Filipino | Impiyerno |
Conclusion
Jahannam is a severe warning in Islam, reminding believers to remain steadfast in faith, avoid sins, and seek Allah’s mercy. While it is a place of punishment, Allah’s forgiveness is always open to those who repent sincerely. The ultimate goal of every believer is to attain Jannah (Paradise) and avoid the torment of Jahannam.