Hadith #1982

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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) describes the nature of Hellfire, using vivid imagery to convey its terrifying and intense characteristics. Let us delve deeper into the words of this hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The Imam begins by stating that Hellfire is a fire whose burning is intense. The Arabic word used here is (shadeed) "شديد", which signifies extreme severity and intensity. This description aligns with the Quranic depiction of Hellfire as a place of punishment and torment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Humazah (104:4-6):

It is a fire of Allah, [eternally] fueled, which mounts directed at the hearts. Indeed, it [Hellfire] will be closed down upon them in extended columns.

The Imam further describes Hellfire as a fire whose roar is loud. The Arabic word used here is (kalbaha) "كَلْبُها", which refers to the loud and terrifying sound produced by the fire. This description resonates with the Quranic portrayal of Hellfire as a place of wailing and cries of anguish. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88:1-2):

Has there reached you the report of the Overwhelming [event]? [Some] faces, that Day, will be humbled.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) goes on to describe Hellfire as a fire whose flames are rising. The Arabic word used here is (‘aal) "عال", which signifies the upward movement of the flames. This depiction aligns with the Quranic portrayal of Hellfire as a place where the flames reach great heights. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'arij (70:15-16):

Indeed, the punishment of your Lord will occur. There is no preventer of it. On the Day the heaven will sway with circular motion.

The Imam also describes Hellfire as a fire whose blaze is incinerating. The Arabic word used here is (saati‘un) "ساطِعٌ", which refers to the intense and scorching nature of the fire. This description aligns with the Quranic depiction of Hellfire as a place of intense heat and burning. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:19):

Indeed, those who disbelieve and avert [people] from the way of Allah and [from] al-Masjid al-Haram, which We made for the people - equal are the resident therein and one from outside; and [also] whoever intends [a deed] therein of deviation [in religion] or wrongdoing - We will make him taste of a painful punishment.

Furthermore, the Imam describes Hellfire as a fire whose groans are terrifying. The Arabic word used here is (muta’ajjijun) "مُتَأَجِّجٌ", which signifies the agitated and tumultuous nature of the fire. This description aligns with the Quranic portrayal of Hellfire as a place of constant turmoil and unrest. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'arij (70:26-27):

And those who disbelieve in the Hereafter are being driven to Hell in groups until, when they reach it, its gates are opened and its keepers will say, '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?' They will say, 'Yes, but the word of punishment has come into effect upon the disbelievers.'

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes Hellfire as a fire whose abatement is remote. The Arabic word used here is (ba‘eedun) "بَعيدٌ", which signifies the distance and remoteness of any relief or respite from the torment of Hellfire. This description aligns with the Quranic portrayal of Hellfire as a place of eternal punishment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:167):

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 Imam concludes by stating that Hellfire is a fire whose fuel is igniting and whose horrors are terrifying. This emphasizes the perpetual nature of the punishment and the unimaginable terrors that await those who are destined for Hellfire. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:24):

But if you do not - and you will never be able to - then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a vivid and chilling description of the nature of Hellfire. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive towards righteousness and to seek refuge in Allah's mercy and forgiveness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the torment of Hellfire and grant us the highest levels of Paradise.