SCIENTIFIC AND ISLAMIC RESEARCHES

    Nafs, Ruh, Paradise and Hell

    بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 

    06/02/2026

    1-Nafs,Ruh and Body
    2-Sleep and Death: The Journey of the Soul (Nafs)and Spirit (Ruh)
    3-Paradise (Key Aspects of Paradise    )
    a-The 7 Names / Levels of Paradise
    b-Names of the Gates of the Paradise
    6-Hell (Key Aspects of     Hell)
    a-The 7 Names / Levels of Hell
    b-Names of the Gates of the Hell

    1-Nafs, Ruh and Body

    In Islamic metaphysics and theology, the human being is understood as a complex integration of the physical body, the soul (nafs), and the spirit (ruh). While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably in colloquial speech, classical scholars and the Quran maintain specific distinctions regarding their origins, functions, and ultimate destinies.

    The Human Body: The Material Vehicle

    The human body (al-jasad) is the physical, material dimension of existence. According to the Quran, the body is created from “clay” or “dust,” representing its earthly, temporal nature. In the hierarchy of being, the body is the lowest element, serving as the “vehicle” or “temple” for the higher spiritual realities.

    Analogy of the Vehicle: A common scholarly analogy likens the human body to a car or a chariot. By itself, the car is a collection of metal, rubber, and glass—it has no direction or life. It is the physical structure that allows the “driver” to navigate the material world.

    The Nafs: The Individual Soul and Psyche

    The nafs is often translated as the “self,” “ego,” or “soul.” It represents the individual personality, the seat of desires, and the moral agent that will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment. Unlike the spirit, the nafs is capable of both good and evil. It is the part of the human that undergoes development and purification (tazkiyah).

    The Quran describes three primary states of the nafs:

    1-Nafs al-Ammarah (The Commanding Self): The primitive state that incites one to evil and follows base desires.
    Chapter 12 verse 53
    وَمَآ أُبَرِّئُ نَفۡسِىٓ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱلنَّفۡسَ لَأَمَّارَةُۢ بِٱلسُّوٓءِ إِلَّا مَا رَحِمَ رَبِّىٓ‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ (٥٣)
    And I free not myself (from the blame). Verily, the (human) self is inclined to evil, except when my Lord bestows His Mercy (upon whom He wills). Verily, my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

    2-Nafs al-Mutma’innah (The Soul at Peace): The soul that has reached tranquility through the remembrance of God.
    Chapter 89 Verse 27
    يَـٰٓأَيَّتُہَا ٱلنَّفۡسُ ٱلۡمُطۡمَٮِٕنَّةُ (٢٧) 
    [To the righteous it will be said], “O reassured soul,

    3-Nafs al-Lawwamah (The Self-Accusing Soul): The awakened conscience that feels regret after committing a sin.
    Chapter 75 Verse 2
    وَلَآ أُقۡسِمُ بِٱلنَّفۡسِ ٱللَّوَّامَةِ (٢)
    And I do call to witness the self-reproaching spirit: (Eschew Evil).
     

    Analogy of the Driver: If the body is the car, the nafs is the driver. The driver has the “free will” to steer the car toward a destination of safety or into a ditch. The driver is the one who learns, makes mistakes, and is ultimately responsible for the journey.

    The Ruh: The Divine Spirit

    The ruh (spirit) is a celestial, luminous substance that originates directly from the “Command of God” (Amr Allah).  While the nafs is individual and can be “soiled” by sin, the ruh is considered a divine gift that remains pure. It is the “breath of life” that God breathed into Adam.[10] Scholars often describe the ruh as the life-force that animates the body; without it, the body is a corpse and the nafs cannot function in the physical realm.

    Quran Chapter 17 Verse 85

    وَيَسۡـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلرُّوحِ‌ۖ قُلِ ٱلرُّوحُ مِنۡ أَمۡرِ رَبِّى وَمَآ أُوتِيتُم مِّنَ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ إِلَّا قَلِيلاً۬ (٨٥)

    Translation
    And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about the soul. Say, “The soul is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind have not been given of knowledge except a little.

    Quran Chapter 32 Verse 7-9

    ٱلَّذِىٓ أَحۡسَنَ كُلَّ شَىۡءٍ خَلَقَهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَبَدَأَ خَلۡقَ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنِ مِن طِينٍ۬ (٧)
    ثُمَّ جَعَلَ نَسۡلَهُ ۥ مِن سُلَـٰلَةٍ۬ مِّن مَّآءٍ۬ مَّهِينٍ۬ (٨)
    ثُمَّ سَوَّٮٰهُ وَنَفَخَ فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِهِۦ‌ۖ وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمۡعَ وَٱلۡأَبۡصَـٰرَ وَٱلۡأَفۡـِٔدَةَ‌ۚ قَلِيلاً۬ مَّا تَشۡڪُرُونَ (٩)

    Translation

    7-Who perfected everything which He created and began the creation of man from clay.
    8-He made His offspring come into existence from an extract of insignificant fluid.
    9-Then He proportioned him and breathed into him from His [created] soul and made for you hearing and vision and hearts; little are you grateful.

    Other Contextual Meanings
    Chapter 58 Verse 22
    لَّا تَجِدُ قَوۡمً۬ا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ يُوَآدُّونَ مَنۡ حَآدَّ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ وَلَوۡ ڪَانُوٓاْ ءَابَآءَهُمۡ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآءَهُمۡ أَوۡ إِخۡوَٲنَهُمۡ أَوۡ عَشِيرَتَہُمۡ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ ڪَتَبَ فِى قُلُوبِہِمُ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ وَأَيَّدَهُم بِرُوحٍ۬ مِّنۡهُ‌ۖ وَيُدۡخِلُهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِہَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا‌ۚ رَضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ حِزۡبُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّ حِزۡبَ ٱللَّهِ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ (٢٢)

    You (O Muhammad SAW) will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW ), even though they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Ruh (proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself. And We will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allah is pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of Allah. Verily, it is the Party of Allah that will be the successful.

    Chapter 58 Verse 22
    لَّا تَجِدُ قَوۡمً۬ا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ يُوَآدُّونَ مَنۡ حَآدَّ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ وَلَوۡ ڪَانُوٓاْ ءَابَآءَهُمۡ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآءَهُمۡ أَوۡ إِخۡوَٲنَهُمۡ أَوۡ عَشِيرَتَہُمۡ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ ڪَتَبَ فِى قُلُوبِہِمُ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ وَأَيَّدَهُم بِرُوحٍ۬ مِّنۡهُ‌ۖ وَيُدۡخِلُهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِہَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا‌ۚ رَضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ حِزۡبُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّ حِزۡبَ ٱللَّهِ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ (٢٢)

    You (O Muhammad SAW) will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW ), even though they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Ruh (proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself. And We will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allah is pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of Allah. Verily, it is the Party of Allah that will be the successful.

    Chapter 42 Verse 52
    وَكَذَٲلِكَ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ رُوحً۬ا مِّنۡ أَمۡرِنَا‌ۚ مَا كُنتَ تَدۡرِى مَا ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ وَلَا ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِن جَعَلۡنَـٰهُ نُورً۬ا نَّہۡدِى بِهِۦ مَن نَّشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا‌ۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَہۡدِىٓ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬ (٥٢)
    And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad SAW) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Quran) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad SAW) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism).

    Analogy of the Fuel or Electricity: The ruh is like the fuel in the car or the electricity in a computer. It provides the power and life-force necessary for the vehicle to move. Just as electricity is a single force that powers many different machines, the ruh is a divine light that animates the human form.

    2-Sleep and Death: The Journey of the Soul (Nafs)and Spirit (Ruh)

    The Quranic view of sleep and death involves a temporary or permanent separation of these elements. Surah Az-Zumar (39:42) states: “Allah takes the souls (anfus) at the time of their death, and those that do not die [He takes] during their sleep.”

    During Sleep (The “Minor Death”)

    When a person sleeps, the nafs (the conscious self) is partially withdrawn from the body. This is why a sleeper loses awareness of their physical surroundings. However, the ruh (the life-spirit) remains connected to the body to maintain biological functions like breathing and heartbeat.

    • Where it goes: The nafs enters a realm known as the Barzakh (the isthmus) or the world of images (Alam al-Mithal), where it experiences dreams. If God decrees life to continue, the nafs is sent back to the body upon waking.

    During Death (The “Major Death”)

    At the moment of death, the ruh is completely withdrawn from the body by the Angel of Death. Because the ruh is the “battery” of the body, its departure causes the physical form to cease functioning and begin to decay.

    • Where it goes: The nafs (the individual identity) is taken to a state of existence corresponding to its earthly deeds. The souls of the righteous are taken to Illiyyin (a high place), while the souls of the wicked are taken to Sijjin (a restricted place).The ruh, being from the Divine Command, returns to its origin, though it remains “attached” to the nafs in the afterlife to allow the individual to experience the rewards or punishments of the grave.

    3-Paradise

    1: Paradise

    Key Aspects of Paradise

    • Meaning: “Garden,” “Paradise,” or “Heaven”.
    • Origin: From the Arabic root “j-n-n” (to cover/hide).
    • Description: A place of ultimate joy, peace, and spiritual fulfillment, with gardens, rivers, and abundant blessings.
    • Entry: Attained by those who believe in Allah, follow His guidance, do good deeds, and seek forgiveness, as judged on the Day of Judgment.
    • Levels: Has multiple levels (Jannatul Firdaus being the highest) and eight gates associated with good deeds.
    • Spiritual Significance: Represents the fulfillment of the soul’s desires and closeness to God. 

    Qur’anic usage:

    إِنَّ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ فِى جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ وَنَہَرٍ۬ (٥٤)
     “Indeed, the righteous will be in gardens (jannāt) and rivers.”
    (Qur’an 54:54) 

    a-The 7 Names / Levels of Paradise

    Islamic scholars mention specific gardens based on explicit textual evidence and Allah Knows Best.

    1. Jannat al-Firdaws (جنة الفردوس)

    Meaning: the highest, central garden

    Quran: 18-107-108

    إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ كَانَتۡ لَهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتُ ٱلۡفِرۡدَوۡسِ نُزُلاً (١٠٧)
     خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَا لَا يَبۡغُونَ عَنۡہَا حِوَلاً۬ (١٠٨)

     107-Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – they will have the Gardens of Paradise as a lodging,

     108-Wherein they abide eternally. They will not desire from it any transfer.

    Hadith
    حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ صَالِحٍ، حَدَّثَنَا فُلَيْحٌ، عَنْ هِلاَلِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ يَسَارٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَبِرَسُولِهِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلاَةَ وَصَامَ رَمَضَانَ، كَانَ حَقًّا عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ الْجَنَّةَ جَاهَدَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ، أَوْ جَلَسَ فِي أَرْضِهِ الَّتِي وُلِدَ فِيهَا ‏”‏‏.‏ فَقَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَفَلاَ نُبَشِّرُ النَّاسَ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ إِنَّ فِي الْجَنَّةِ مِائَةَ دَرَجَةٍ أَعَدَّهَا اللَّهُ لِلْمُجَاهِدِينَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ، مَا بَيْنَ الدَّرَجَتَيْنِ كَمَا بَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالأَرْضِ، فَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُ اللَّهَ فَاسْأَلُوهُ الْفِرْدَوْسَ، فَإِنَّهُ أَوْسَطُ الْجَنَّةِ وَأَعْلَى الْجَنَّةِ، أُرَاهُ فَوْقَهُ عَرْشُ الرَّحْمَنِ، وَمِنْهُ تَفَجَّرُ أَنْهَارُ الْجَنَّةِ ‏”‏‏.‏ قَالَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ فُلَيْحٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ ‏”‏ وَفَوْقَهُ عَرْشُ الرَّحْمَنِ ‏”‏‏.‏

    Narrated Abu Huraira:

    The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and His Apostle, offer prayer perfectly and fasts the month of Ramadan, will rightfully be granted Paradise by Allah, no matter whether he fights in Allah’s Cause or remains in the land where he is born.” The people said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ! Shall we acquaint the people with the is good news?” He said, “Paradise has one-hundred grades which Allah has reserved for the Mujahidin who fight in His Cause, and the distance between each of two grades is like the distance between the Heaven and the Earth. So, when you ask Allah (for something), ask for Al-firdaus which is the best and highest part of Paradise.” (i.e. The sub-narrator added, “I think the Prophet also said, ‘Above it (i.e. Al-Firdaus) is the Throne of Beneficent (i.e. Allah), and from it originate the rivers of Paradise.”)-Sahih al-Bukhari 

    2. Jannat ‘Adn (جنة عدن)

    Meaning: permanent residence
    Arabic root: ع د ن (ʿ-d-n) — to remain, settle

    Qur’an: 19:61

    جَنَّـٰتِ عَدۡنٍ ٱلَّتِى وَعَدَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ عِبَادَهُ ۥ بِٱلۡغَيۡبِ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ وَعۡدُهُ ۥ مَأۡتِيًّ۬ا (٦١)

    (They will enter) ‘Adn (Eden) Gardens, which the Most Beneficent (Allah) has promised to His slaves in the unseen: Verily! His Promise must come to pass.
    (Qur’an 19:61)

    3. Jannat an-Na‘īm (جنة النعيم)

    Meaning: garden of delight, comfort
    Root: ن ع م (n-ʿ-m) — ease, pleasure

    Qur’an: 31:8

    إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ لَهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتُ ٱلنَّعِيمِ (٨)
     Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds – for them are the Gardens of Pleasure. (Qur’an 31:8)

    4. Jannat al-Ma’wā (جنة المأوى)

    Meaning: garden of refuge
    Root: أ و ي (ʾ-w-y) — to shelter

    Qur’an: 53:13-15

    وَلَقَدۡ رَءَاهُ نَزۡلَةً أُخۡرَىٰ (١٣)
    عِندَ سِدۡرَةِ ٱلۡمُنتَهَىٰ (١٤)
    عِندَهَا جَنَّةُ ٱلۡمَأۡوَىٰٓ (١٥)
    13-And he certainly saw him in another descent.
    14-Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass
    15-Near it is the Garden of Abode.

    (Qur’an 53:13-15)

    5. Dār as-Salām (دار السلام)

    Meaning: the Abode of Peace
    Salām: safety, freedom from harm

    Qur’an: 10:25

    وَٱللَّهُ يَدۡعُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ دَارِ ٱلسَّلَـٰمِ وَيَہۡدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬ (٢٥)
     And Allah invites to the Home of Peace and guides whom He wills to a straight path-(Qur’an 10:25)

    6. Dār al-Muqāmah (دار المقامة)

    Meaning: permanent dwelling

    Qur’an: 35:35

    ٱلَّذِىٓ أَحَلَّنَا دَارَ ٱلۡمُقَامَةِ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦ لَا يَمَسُّنَا فِيہَا نَصَبٌ۬ وَلَا يَمَسُّنَا فِيہَا لُغُوبٌ۬ (٣٥)
    It is He who has granted us, through His favor, an everlasting dwelling wherein we shall experience no hardship nor any fatigue.”-(Qur’an 35:35)

    7. Jannat al-Khuld (جَنَّةَُ الخُلد)

    Meaning: Immortality

    Qur’an: 25:15

    قُلۡ أَذَٲلِكَ خَيۡرٌ أَمۡ جَنَّةُ ٱلۡخُلۡدِ ٱلَّتِى وُعِدَ ٱلۡمُتَّقُونَ‌ۚ كَانَتۡ لَهُمۡ جَزَآءً۬ وَمَصِيرً۬ا (١٥)
    15-Say, “Is that better or the Garden of Eternity which is promised to the righteous? It will be for them a reward and destination.

    8. Dar al-Qarar (دار القرار)

    Meaning: The Abode of Stability

    Qur’an: 40:39

    يَـٰقَوۡمِ إِنَّمَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا مَتَـٰعٌ۬ وَإِنَّ ٱلۡأَخِرَةَ هِىَ دَارُ ٱلۡقَرَارِ (٣٩)

    39-O my people, this worldly life is only [temporary] enjoyment, and indeed, the Hereafter – that is the home of [permanent] settlement.
     

    b-Names of the Gates of the Paradise

    That Paradise Has 8 Gates

    Sahl b. Sa’d reported God’s messenger as saying, “In paradise there are eight gates among which is a gate called ar-Rayyan which only those who fast will enter.”(Bukhari and Muslim.) Mishkat al-Masabih 1957

    وَعَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ” فِي الْجَنَّةِ ثَمَانِيَةُ أَبْوَابٍ مِنْهَا: بَابٌ يُسَمَّى الرَّيَّانَ لَا يدْخلهُ إِلَّا الصائمون “

    مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ (الألباني) / حكم

    Names of the Gates of the Paradise

    حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ الْمُنْذِرِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي مَعْنٌ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي مَالِكٌ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ حُمَيْدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏”‏ مَنْ أَنْفَقَ زَوْجَيْنِ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ نُودِيَ مِنْ أَبْوَابِ الْجَنَّةِ يَا عَبْدَ اللَّهِ، هَذَا خَيْرٌ‏.‏ فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْ أَهْلِ الصَّلاَةِ دُعِيَ مِنْ باب الصَّلاَةِ، وَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْجِهَادِ دُعِيَ مِنْ باب الْجِهَادِ، وَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْ أَهْلِ الصِّيَامِ دُعِيَ مِنْ باب الرَّيَّانِ، وَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْ أَهْلِ الصَّدَقَةِ دُعِيَ مِنْ باب الصَّدَقَةِ ‏”‏‏.‏ فَقَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ بِأَبِي أَنْتَ وَأُمِّي يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، مَا عَلَى مَنْ دُعِيَ مِنْ تِلْكَ الأَبْوَابِ مِنْ ضَرُورَةٍ، فَهَلْ يُدْعَى أَحَدٌ مِنْ تِلْكَ الأَبْوَابِ كُلِّهَا قَالَ ‏”‏ نَعَمْ‏.‏ وَأَرْجُو أَنْ تَكُونَ مِنْهُمْ ‏”‏‏.‏

    ‘Narrated Abu Huraira:

    Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Whoever gives two kinds (of things or property) in charity for Allah’s Cause, will be called from the gates of Paradise and will be addressed, ‘O slaves of Allah! Here is prosperity.’ So, whoever was amongst the people who used to offer their prayers, will be called from the gate of the prayer; and whoever was amongst the people who used to participate in Jihad, will be called from the gate of Jihad; and whoever was amongst those who used to observe fasts, will be called from the gate of Ar-Raiyan; whoever was amongst those who used to give in charity, will be called from the gate of charity.” Abu Bakr said, “Let my parents be sacrificed for you, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! No distress or need will befall him who will be called from those gates. Will there be any one who will be called from all these gates?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Yes, and I hope you will be one of them.” Sahih al-Bukhari 1897

    1. Bāb aṣ-Ṣalāh (Gate of Prayer)

    “Whoever was among the people of prayer will be called from the gate of prayer.”
    (Sahih al-Bukhari 1897)

    2. Bāb al-Jihād

    “And whoever was among the people of jihād will be called from the gate of jihād.”
    (Sahih al-Bukhari 1897)

    3. Bāb aṣ-Ṣadaqah

    “Whoever was among the people of charity will be called from the gate of charity.”
    (Sahih al-Bukhari 1897)

    4. Bāb ar-Rayān (for fasting)

    Meaning: quenched, fully satisfied
    Root: ر ي ن (r-y-n)

    whoever was amongst those who used to observe fasts, will be called from the gate of Ar-Raiyan“ (Bukhārī)

    Narrated Sahl: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.”(Bukhārī 1896)

    حَدَّثَنَا خَالِدُ بْنُ مَخْلَدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ بِلاَلٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو حَازِمٍ، عَنْ سَهْلٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ إِنَّ فِي الْجَنَّةِ بَابًا يُقَالُ لَهُ الرَّيَّانُ، يَدْخُلُ مِنْهُ الصَّائِمُونَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، لاَ يَدْخُلُ مِنْهُ أَحَدٌ غَيْرُهُمْ يُقَالُ أَيْنَ الصَّائِمُونَ فَيَقُومُونَ، لاَ يَدْخُلُ مِنْهُ أَحَدٌ غَيْرُهُمْ، فَإِذَا دَخَلُوا أُغْلِقَ، فَلَمْ يَدْخُلْ مِنْهُ أَحَدٌ ‏”‏‏.‏

    Remaining gates (names inferred by scholars from hadith patterns):

    1. Bāb al-Ḥajj
    2. Bāb al-Kāẓimīn al-Ghayẓ (those who control anger)
    3. Bāb al-Aymān (general gate)
    4. Bāb adh-Dhikr

    (Some names are ijtihād-based, but the number (8) is explicit.)

    6-The Hell

    Key Aspects of Hell:

    • Purpose: A realm of divine justice where the disobedient face consequences for their actions, providing retribution and purification.
    • Description: A place of intense heat, described as hotter and darker than worldly fire, with boiling water, scorching flames, and agonizing sustenance like the bitter Zaqqum tree.
    • Levels (Gates): Has seven levels or gates, with punishments increasing in severity as one descends, each designated for different categories of sinners.
    • Inhabitants: Guarded by fierce angels, it houses those who have defied Allah, including disbelievers and persistent sinners.
    • Spiritual Aspect: Beyond physical torment, it represents a spiritual state of complete separation from Allah’s mercy and blessings.

    Qur’an: 78:21

    إِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ كَانَتۡ مِرۡصَادً۬ا (٢١)
     “Indeed, Hell (Jahannam) is lying in wait.”
    (Qur’an 78:21)

    لَهَا سَبۡعَةُ أَبۡوَٲبٍ۬ لِّكُلِّ بَابٍ۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ جُزۡءٌ۬ مَّقۡسُومٌ (٤٤)
     “And indeed, Hell has seven gates, for each gate is a portion designated.”
    (Qur’an 15:44)

    a-The 7 Names / Levels of Hell

    1. Jahannam (جهنم)

    General name for Hell

    There are several verses about Jahannam in the Quran.

    2. Sa‘īr (سعير)

    Meaning: blazing fire
    Root: س ع ر — to ignite

    Qur’an: 67.5

    وَلَقَدۡ زَيَّنَّا ٱلسَّمَآءَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا بِمَصَـٰبِيحَ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰهَا رُجُومً۬ا لِّلشَّيَـٰطِينِ‌ۖ وَأَعۡتَدۡنَا لَهُمۡ عَذَابَ ٱلسَّعِيرِ (٥)
     “And for the disbelievers is the punishment of the Blazing Fire.”
    (Qur’an 67:5)

    3. Saqar (سقر)

    Meaning: scorching fire that destroys skin

    Qur’an: 74.26

    سَأُصۡلِيهِ سَقَرَ (٢٦)
     “I will drive him into Saqar.” (Hell-Fire!)
    (Qur’an 74:26)

    4. Jaḥīm (جحيم)

    Meaning: raging fire

    Qur’an: 37.68

    ثُمَّ إِنَّ مَرۡجِعَهُمۡ لَإِلَى ٱلۡجَحِيمِ (٦٨)
     Then indeed, their return will be to the Hellfire.
    (Qur’an 37:68)

    5. Laẓā (لظى)

    Meaning: pure flame

    Qur’an: 70.15

    كَلَّآ‌ۖ إِنَّہَا لَظَىٰ (١٥)
     By no means! For the raging flames of the fire
    (Qur’an 70:15)

    6. Ḥuṭamah (الحطمة)

    Meaning: crushing, shattering fire
    Root: ح ط م — to break

    Qur’an: 104.4

    كَلَّا‌ۖ لَيُنۢبَذَنَّ فِى ٱلۡحُطَمَةِ (٤)
     Nay! Verily, he will be thrown into the crushing Fire.
    (Qur’an 104:4)

    7. Hāwiyah (هاوية)

    Meaning: abyss, bottomless pit

    Qur’an: 101:9

    فَأُمُّهُ ۥ هَاوِيَةٌ۬ (٩)
     Will have his home in a (bottomless) Pit.
    (Qur’an 101:9)

    b-Names of the Gates of the Hell

    While 7 gates are confirmed, their individual names are not explicitly given in authentic texts.

    Scholarly Position:

    • The names of Hell are often used to describe levels or types of punishment
    • Each gate corresponds to a category of sinners

    Quran: 15:44

    “And indeed, Hell has seven gates, for each gate is a portion designated.”“For each gate is a portion designated.”
    (Qur’an 15:44)

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