Article Surah 98 · Ayah 6

Paradise and Hell Presently Exist and are Eternal

Hell exists at the present time and will continue to exist forever. It will never die down, and its inhabitants will remain in it forever. No one will come out of Hell except sinful believers who believed in the Oneness of God in this life and believed in the specific prophet sent to them (before the coming of Muhammad). The polytheists and unbelievers will reside in it forever. This belief has been held from classical times and is based on clear aayaat of the Qur’an and confirmed reports from the Prophet of Islam. The Qur’an speaks of Hell in the past tense and states that it has already been created: “And fear the Fire which is prepared for the disbelievers.” Qur’an 3:131

The Prophet said: “When any of you dies, he is shown his position (in the Hereafter) morning and evening. If he is one of the people of Paradise, he is shown the place of the people of Paradise. If he is one of the people of Hell, he is shown the place of people of Hell. He is told, ‘this is your position, until God resurrects you on the Day of Resurrection.” Sahih Al-Bukhari 3240, Saheeh Muslim 2866

In another report, the Prophet said: “Surely, the soul of a believer is a bird hanging on the trees of Paradise, until God returns it to his body on the Day of Resurrection.” Classed as sahih by sheikh Alani in Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1641

These texts make it clear that Hell and Paradise exist, and that souls may enter them before the Day of Resurrection. Speaking of Hell’s eternity, God says: “They will wish to get out of the Fire, but never are they to emerge therefrom, and for them is an enduring punishment.” (Qur’an 5:37)

“…And they will never leave of the Fire.” (Qur’an 2:167)

“Surely, those who disbelieve and did wrong; God will not forgive them, nor will He guide them to any way except the way of Hell, to dwell therein forever.” (Qur’an 4:168-169)

“Surely, God has cursed the disbelievers, and has prepared for them a flaming Fire wherein they will abide forever.” (Qur’an 33:64)

“And whosoever disobeys God and His Messenger, then surely, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.” (Qur’an 72:23)

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