hell descriptions according to quran

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. General Descriptions and Atmosphere

The Quran describes Hell as a place with seven gates, filled with intense heat and dark smoke.

Seven Gates: "And indeed, Hell is the promised place for them all. It has seven gates; for every gate is an assigned portion of them." — [15:43-44]

Fuel of Men and Stones: "O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones..." — [66:6]

Black Smoke: "[They will be] in scorching fire and scalding water and a shade of black smoke, neither cool nor beneficial." — [56:41-44]

1. Food and Drink in Hell

The inhabitants of Hell are described as having food that does not nourish and water that causes extreme pain.

The Tree of Zaqqum: "Indeed, the tree of zaqqum is food for the sinful. Like murky oil, it boils within bellies, like the boiling of scalding water." — [44:43-46]

Scalding Water: "...and if they call for relief, they will be relieved with water like murky oil, which scalds [their] faces. Wretched is the drink, and evil is the resting place." — [18:29]

Thorny Plants: "For them there will be no food except from a poisonous, thorny plant which neither nourishes nor avails against hunger." — [88:6-7]

1. Nature of the Torment

Many verses highlight the physical sensations and the inescapability of the fire.

Renewal of Skin: "Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses—We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted through, We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment." — [4:56]

Maces of Iron: "And for [striking] them are maces of iron. Every time they want to get out of Hellfire from anguish, they will be returned to it..." — [22:21-22]

Garments of Fire: "...But those who disbelieved will have cut out for them garments of fire. Poured upon their heads will be scalding water." — [22:19]

1. Levels of Hell

While many levels are mentioned in traditional commentaries (Tafsir), the Quran specifically mentions the lowest level for a particular group:

The Hypocrites: "Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire—and never will you find for them a helper." — [4:145]

Summary Table: Terms for Hell in the Quran

The Quran uses different names to describe different aspects or levels of the Fire:
Name Meaning Reference Example
Jahannam Gehenna / Hell
Al-Jaheem The Blazing Fire
Saqar The Scorching Fire
Al-Sa'ir The Blazing Flame
Al-Hutamah The Crusher [104:4]
Al-Hawiyah The Abyss [101:9]