In the Name of Allāh.
Have you ever contemplated the perplexing question of why we often gravitate towards actions that lead us astray, despite being fully aware of the grim consequences that await in the depths of Hellfire? After all, no one who believes in the Hereafter desires to end up in Hell. So, why is it that the path towards Hell can seem so appealing?
Abū Hurayrah narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said, “When Allāh created Paradise and Hellfire… Allāh said (O Jibreel): ‘Go to the Hellfire and behold it and what I have prepared therein for its people.’ Jibreel saw that it was layered, one above the other. He returned to Allāh and said: ‘By Your Might, no one who hears of it will enter it.’ Allāh commanded that it be encircled by desires, and then instructed: ‘Return to it.’ Upon his return, Jibreel stated: ‘By Your Might, I fear that no one will escape it.’” [Sunan At-Tirmidhī 2560]
Moreover, Anas Ibn Mālik reported another Ḥadīth where the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said, “Jannah (Paradise) is surrounded by hardships (adversity) while the Hellfire is surrounded by lusts.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2823]
The desires encircling Hellfire, which lead many into its grasp, are the forbidden pleasures such as Shirk, Kufr, Bid’ah, Ribā, theft, intoxicants (Khamr), illicit sexual relations (Zinā’), playing musical instruments, and character defamation, among others.
From the aforementioned Ḥadīth, we observe that even the esteemed Angel Jibreel (‘Alayhi Salām) was taken aback by the layers of suffering that await in Hell. He was concerned that no one would be able to withstand the allure of sin and would consequently find themselves entrapped in its fiery depths.
The relentless flames of Hell are reserved for those who yield to the forbidden desires, a realm of excruciating pain and perpetual torment. The sheer terror of it is beyond comprehension, and even the description of the Zaqqum tree, destined to be the food for sinners in Hell, is enough to instill fear. Allāh states: “Verily, the tree of Zaqqum will be the food of the sinners; it will boil in their bellies, like the boiling of scalding water.” [Sūrah Ad-Dukhan (44): 46]
Subḥānallāh! Hell is an abode where Kuffar and Mushrikūn will abide eternally, mired in despair, as Allāh will incinerate their skin, renew it, and burn them anew, ensuring they experience the punishment perpetually.
Abū Sa’īd reported that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said, “…And it will be said: O people of Hellfire, there is everlasting life for you and no death!” Then, the Prophet recited the verse, “Warn them of this day of dismay, when their affairs will be decided, yet they are heedless, and they do not have faith” (19:39), gesturing towards the world. [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 4730, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2849]
Dear brethren, let us strive to steer clear of sinful deeds that may lead us to Hellfire. Instead, let’s commit ourselves to a life of sound Eemān and righteous deeds, so we may be blessed with the eternal joy of Jannah and evade the horrors that lie in the depths of Hell.
I beseech Allāh to grant us the strength and guidance to remain on the righteous path, avoiding the temptations that lead to Hellfire. Aameen.
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