Hadith #1983

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a vivid description of the torment and eternal nature of Hell. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (muqeemoha) "مُقيمُها", which refers to the inmate or resident of Hell. This word highlights the fact that once a person enters Hell, they are confined to its torment and are unable to escape. This is supported by the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Hijr (15:43), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the righteous will be in gardens and pleasure, enjoying what their Lord has given them, and their Lord protected them from the punishment of Hellfire.

The second word is (aseeruha) "أسيرُها", which refers to the prisoner of Hell. This emphasizes the helplessness and captivity of those who are confined in Hell. Just as a prisoner cannot be released without a ransom, the inmates of Hell cannot escape its torment. This concept is echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:167), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who followed would say, 'If only we had another turn [at worldly life] so we could disassociate ourselves from them as they have disassociated themselves from us.' Thus will Allah show them their deeds as regrets upon them. And they are never to emerge from the Fire.

The third word is (kubooluha) "كُبُولُها", which refers to the shackles or chains of Hell. This imagery highlights the inescapable nature of the punishment in Hell. Just as one cannot break free from physical chains, the inmates of Hell cannot break free from the torment that holds them captive. This is emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Ma'arij (70:29-30), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe. And those who guard their private parts, except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that Hell has no fixed age or duration, and its inhabitants do not have a lifespan that they may pass away. This signifies the eternal nature of Hell and the everlasting punishment that awaits those who deserve it. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:167), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And they will continue to wish until when they see the punishment, whether it is the punishment of this world or the Hereafter, they will know who is weaker in helpers and less in number.

Reflecting on this hadith, we are reminded of the severity of Hell and the importance of striving to avoid its punishment. It serves as a warning to Muslims to lead righteous lives, to seek forgiveness for their sins, and to strive for Paradise. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the torment of Hell and grant us His mercy and forgiveness.