ABOUT POLYGAMY IN ISLAMIC LAW
By Dr. Gamal A. Badawi
www.al-islamforall.org
1. Introduction:
Like Judaism and Christianity, (See, Footnotes No. 2,3,4 and 5) Islam does not provide an explicit prohibition of polygamy (more correctly polygyny).
Unlike Judaism, Christianity and perhaps other religions as well, Islam deals with the issue more clearly and provides certain legal requirements and restraints that amount to the discouragement of such a practice.
The reason for not prohibiting polygamy categorically is perhaps due to the fact that there are certain conditions which face individuals and societies in different places and at different times, which make the limited practice of polygamy a better solution than either divorce or the hypocritical pretence of morality.
Our present day feelings about what is “tasteful” or “distasteful” are something we cannot force on all people everywhere, at all times and under all conditions, unless it is a question of a law coming from God. This leads to the following question.
2. Is Polygamy immoral Perse?
To shorten the discussion, let us begin with the assumption that religions are acceptable sources of “morals”. Let us also select two religions (Judaism and Christianity) which are the closest to Islam, in order to see where they stand on that issue.
a. In Judaism: It is notable that most of the Old Testament Prophets were polygamous. According to the Old Testament, Abraham “the friend of God” had more than one wife, David had one hundred wives, and Solomon is even said to have had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
If polygamy is immoral perse, then these and other leading figures in the Biblical traditions are immoral. In this case, there would be no sanctity attached to the Bible, its Prophets, or its teaching! No sincere Jew, Christian, or Muslim would regard God’s chosen Messengers as immoral persons!
The Dictionary of the Bible states
Polygamy meets us a fact: e.g. Abraham, Jacob, the Judges, David, Solomon……In Deuteronomy 17:17, the king is warned not to multiply wives; later regulations fixed the number at eighteen for a king and four for an ordinary man. (Dictionary of the Bible (James Hasting Editor), Revised Edition, Charles Scribner’s Sons, N.Y., 1963, p.624)
The philosophy behind the legalization of polygamy is explained in the Encyclopedia Bibilica:
The man who owns his wife as a chattel can on the same principle own as many as he pleases that is to say, as many as he can afford to buy and keep….The Talmudists formulate the rule that no Jew may have more than four wives, kings may have at most eighteen. Encyclopedia Biblica (Rev T.K. Cheyene, and J.S. Black, Editors), The Macmillan Co., London, 1902, vol.3, p. 2946.)
It was only at the beginning of the eleventh Century! (about four centuries after the advent of Islam) that polygamy was expressly prohibited in Jadaism. According to Westermarck:
Among European Jews ploygyny was still practiced during the Middle ages, and among Jews living in Muhammadan countries it occurs even to this day. An express prohibition of it was not pronounced until the convening of the Rabbinical Synod at Worms, in the beginning of the eleventh century. This prohibition was originally made for the Jews living in Germany and Northern France, but it was successively adopted in all European countries. Nevertheless, the Jewish Marriage Code tained many provisions which originated at a time when polygyny was still legally in existence.(Westermarck, Edward A., The History of Marriage, (5th Edition Rewritten), Macmillan and co. Ltd., London, 1925, vol. III, pp. 42-43.)
b. In Christianity: As the Old Testament is a vital part of the Christian faith, it cannot be disregarded in this discussion. It was concerning the Old Testament laws and the Old Testament Prophets that Jesus (P.) said plainly that he came not to destroy the Law or the Prophets but rather to fulfill. In addition, there is no passage in the New Testament that clearly prohibits polygamy. This was the understanding of the early Church Fathers and for several centuries in the Christian era.
Westermarck, the noted authority on the history of human marriage states:
Considering that monogamy prevailed as the only legitimate form of marriage in Greece and Rome, it cannot be said that Christianity introduced obligatory monogamy in the Western World. Indeed, although the New Testament assumes monogamy as the normal or ideal form of marriage, it does not expressly prohibit polygyny, except in the case of a bishop and a deacon. It has been argued that it was not necessary for the first Christian teachers to condemn polygyny because monogamy was the universal rule among peoples in whose midst it was preached; but this is certainly not true of the Jews, who still both permitted and practiced polygyny at the beginning of the Christian era.
Some of the Fathers accused the Jewish Rabbis of sensuality, but no council of the Church in the earliest centuries opposed polygyny, and no obstacle was put in the way of its practice by kings in countries where it had occurred in the times of paganism. In the middle of the sixth century Diarmait, King of Ireland, had two queens and two concubines. Polygyny was frequently practiced by the Mervingian kings. Charles the Great had two wives and many concubines; and one of his laws seems to imply that polygyny was not unknown even among priests. In later times Philip of Hesse and Frederick William II of Prussia contracted bigamous marriages with the sanction of the Lutheran clergy. Luther himself approved of the bigamy of the former, and so did Melachthon. On various occasions Luther speaks of polygyny with considerable toleration. It had not been forbidden by God; even Abraham, who was a “perfect Christian”, had two wives. It is true that God had allowed such marriages to certain men of the Old Testament only in particular circumstances, and if a Christian wanted to follow their example he had to show that the circumstances were similar in his case; but polygamy was undoubtedly preferable to divorce. In 1650, soon after the Peace of Westphalia, when the population had been greatly reduced by the Thirty Years’ War, the Frankish Kreistag at Nuremberg passed the resolution that thenceforth every man should be allowed to marry two women. Certain sects of Christians have even advocated polygyny with much fervor. In 1531 the Anabaptists openly preached at Munster that he who wants to be a true Christian must have several wives. And the Mormons, as all the world knows, regard polygyny as a divine institution.
3. WHAT IS THE LEGAL STATUS OF POLYGAMY IN ISLAM?
The verse which allows polygamy “was revealed after the battle of Uhud in which many Muslims were killed, leaving widows and orphans for whom due care was incumbent upon the Muslim survivors.(Abd Al-Ati, Hammuda, Islam in Focus, The Canadian Islamic center, Edmonton Alberta, Canada, 1963, p.103.)
The translation of the verse is as follows:
If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with them), then (marry) only one…. (Qur’an 4:3)
From this verse a number of facts are evident:
That polygamy is neither mandatory, nor encouraged, but merely permitted.
That the permission to practice polygamy is not associated with mere satisfaction of passion. It is rather associated with compassion toward widows and orphans, a matter that is confirmed by the atmosphere in which the verse was revealed.
That even in such a situation, the permission is far more restricted than the normal practice which existed among the Arabs and other people at that time when many married as many as ten or more wives.
That dealing justly with one’s wives is an obligation. This applies to housing, food, clothing, kind treatment..etc., for which the husband is fully responsible. If one is not sure of being able to deal justly with them, the Quran say: “then(marry) only one.” (Qur’an 4:3)
This verse, when combined with another verse in the same chapter, shows some discouragement of such plural marriages. The other verse plainly states:
“You are never able to be fair and just as between women even if it is your ardent desire…” (Qur’an 4: 129)
The requirement of justice rules out the fantasy that man can “own as any as he pleases.” It also rules out the concept of “secondary wife,” for all wives have exactly the same status and are entitled to identical rights and claims over their husband. It also implies, according to the Islamic Law, that should the husband fail to provide enough support for any of his wives, she can go to the court and ask for a divorce.
The verse says “Marry,” not kidnap, buy, or seduce. What is “marriage” as understood in Islam? Marriage in Islam is a civil contract which is not valid unless both contracting parties consent to it. Thus no wife can be forced or “given” to a husband who is already married.
I is thus a free choice of both parties. As to the first wife:
She may be barren or ill and see in polygamy a better solution than divorce.
She may divorce him (unilaterally) if he is married to a second wife provided that the nuptial contract gives her the right of unilateral divorce (Ismah).
She can go to court and ask for a divorce if there is evidence of mistreatment or injustice inflicted upon her.
But if polygamy is discouraged and loaded with such constraints, could it have been better if the Quran simply forbade it? To answer this question, we may have to raise another one:
4. CAN POLYGAMY BE A BETTER SOLUTION IN SOME CASES?
Scholars in the past and at present, Muslims and non-Muslims, have consistently pointed out such cases. The following are a few examples which are tied in with the general approach of Islam to individual and social problems.
Individual cases:
1. A man who discovers that his wife is barren, and who at the same time instinctively aspires to have children and heirs.
In a situation as this, the man would either have to:
-Suffer the deprivation of fatherhood for life.
-Divorce his barren wife and get married to another woman who is not barren.
In many cases, neither solution can be considered as the best alternative. Polygamy would have the advantage of preserving the martial relationship without depriving the man of fathering children of his own.
2. A man whose wife becomes chronically ill would have one of possible alternatives:
-He may suppress his instinctive sexual needs for the rest of his life.
-He may divorce his sick wife at the time when she needs his compassion most, and get married to another woman, thus legally satisfying his instinctive needs.
-Or he could compromise by keeping his sick wife, and secretly take for himself one or more illicit sex partners.
Let us discuss these alternatives from the point of view of the Islamic teachings. The first solution is against human nature. Islam recognizes sex and sexual needs and provides for legitimate means for their satisfaction. The second solution is clearly less compassionate, especially where there is love between the two parties. Further more divorce is described by Prophet Muhammad (P) as the “permitted thing which is hated most by God.” The last solution is plainly against the Islamic teachings which forbid illicit sexual relations in any form.
To sum up, Islam being against immorality, hypocritical pretense of morality, and against divorce unless no better solution is available, provides for a better alternative which is consistent with human nature and with the preservation of pure and legitimate sex relationships. In a situation like this, it is doubtful that any solution would be better than polygamy, which is, after all, an optional solution.
b. Social cases
Anthropologists tell us that among various tribes and societies, polygamy is a social and economic necessity. In some very poor areas, the infant morality is very high. Children on the other hand, are a source of additional labour for the earning capacity of the family. To have more children under such situations would require the practice of polygamy. It is by this very reason Christian missionaries in some African regions justified their permission to local people to practice polygamy without being excommunicated from the church. One researcher has even found, through his studies that women in such societies not only accept polygamy, but some of them even prefer this. (See for example Campbell, D., In the Heart of the Bantuland, Seeley, service and Co.,Ltd., London, 1922, p. 160, and Cory H., Sukuma Law and Customs, Oxford University Press, N.Y., 1953, p.52.)
Aside from cases where women outnumber men, devastating wars, in the past and at present, have taken their roll mainly among men. The result is not simply more women who cannot find husbands, but even more widows who may aspire to a respectable family life. In such a situation, if polygamy is bad, the limitation on polygamy is even far worse.
Both unmarried women and widows are human beings. Unless their instinctive needs are legitimately satisfied, the temptation is great for corruption and immorality. But aside from the moral question these women are also exploited. They are used as tools for men’s pleasure, yet have no guarantees, no rights or security, financial or emotional. Should they become pregnant, it is their burden alone. But even if such women are ready to pay the price for this personally, society also suffers seriously from such situations. The increasing number of illegitimate children born today under conditions such as these provides a potential base for tomorrow’s maladjusted and even criminals. Further more it is inhuman, humiliating for those children to grow up without knowing who their fathers were and without enjoying a lean and normal family life.
One question remain:
5. WHY NOT POLYANDRY (PLURALITY OF HUSBANDS FOR THE SAME WOMAN)?
It is evident that the nature of women is physiologically and psychologically different from that of men. Psychologically speaking, the woman is monogamous by her very nature. Furthermore, in all cultures, new and old, the headship of the family, is normally man’s. One can imagine what would happen if the family had two or more heads. Furthermore, if the woman is married to more than one husband, which would be the father of her children?
CONCLUSION
It is now evident that the association of “polygamy” with Islam is not only unfair or biased but based on serious misunderstanding. Polygamy was practiced, often without limitation, in almost all cultures. It was sanctioned by various religions, and practiced both before Islam and for many centuries thereafter. It is presently practiced, though secretly, by the Mormons, (It is estimated that is Utah alone over 30,000 middle-class Mormon Americans secretly cling to the practice of plural marriage. The Mormon church accepted the principal of Plural Marriage as a revelation from God. It was widely adopted after Brigham Young led the Mormons into their “Promised Land”—the Territory of Utah, in 1847. In 1890, however, after polygamy was outlawed a Federal statue, Church funds and property were confiscated. This apparently led the Church to issue a manifesto banning plural marriage. Church President Wilford Woodruff later declared the manifesto had been divinely inspired. For a first-hand report on the practice of polygamy in the U.S.A. as late as 1967, see Ben Merson, “Husband with More than on Wife.” In Journal, June 1967,esp. p. 78) and it is allowed by Christian missionaries in Africa and other areas where polygamy is a social necessity.
It is both honest and accurate to say that it is Islam which regulated this practice, limited it, made it more humane, and insisted equal rights and status for all wives. What the Qur’anic decrees amount to, taken together, is a discouragement of polygamy unless necessity for it exists.
It is also evident that the general rule in Islam is monogamy and not polygamy. However, permission to practice limited polygamy is only consistent with Islam’s realistic view of the nature of man and woman and of the various social needs, problems, and culture variations.
The question is, however, far more than the inherent flexibility of Islam; it also is the frank and straightforward approach of Islam in dealing with practical problems. Rather than requiring hypocritical and superficial compliance, Islam delves deeper into the problems of individuals and societies, and provides for legitimate and clean solutions which are far more beneficial than would be the case if they were ignored. There is no doubt that the second wife legally married and treated kindly is better off than a mistress without any legal rights or security. There is no doubt also that the legitimate child of a polygamous father, born in the “full light of the day”, and who enjoys all the rights and privileges of a son or daughter, is far better off than the wanted or unwanted illegitimate child (especially if it is a girl).
It is fair also to say the polygamy may be harmful in many respects. Islam, however, does not regard polygamy as a substitute for monogamy. Realizing its disadvantages Islam allows it under strict conditions and when no better alternative is available. This is actually consistent with a general rule in Islamic Law, “The Lesser of two evils.” This means that if a harm is certain, and if there is no way to avert such harm unless some other harm is done, then it is better to cause the lesser harm in order to avoid the greater. It is like a captain who gets rid of the ship’s freight in order to save the lives of the sailors.
The vitality, flexibility, and far-sightedness of the teachings of Islam cannot possibly be attributed to any man or group of men, including Prophet Muhammad (P) himself. Its secret simply lies in its Divine Source, God Most high, who knows in entirety what human needs and problems are.
Man can reject the guidance of God, become his own god, and establish his own standards of morality. Ultimately, however, he may discover the mirage that alluded him. A few honest questions finally: What is the situation in countries which banned polygamy? Do they really enjoy sincere and faithful “monogamy?” What is the degree of cohesion of the family? Is there any significant number of mistresses, “Sweethearts”, and illegitimate children? How observant are married men and women of the strict “monogamous” relationship? Are infidelity and secret extramarital sexual relationships more moral than the legitimate, legally-protected husband-wife relationships, even under polygamy if there is a pressing need for it? Which of the two situations is best?
After all, Islam by its very nature, is a universal religion which is revealed by God guide people in all places and at all times.
The guidance can hardly be secured by avoiding issues and problems which are real, even as they are relevant to human life on earth with its diversity. Hypocrisy, apology, or burying one’s head in the sand are hardly realistic means of achieving righteous human life. They are not effective in achieving moral up liftment either!
Hell
The Creation of Hell-Fire
"Fear the fire, which is prepared for the disbelievers."
[Ali'-Imran, 3: 131]
"Truly Hell is lying in wait- a destination for the transgressors."
[an-Naba, 78: 21-22]
(One’s rejection of faith is transgression against Allah and himself).
Abdullah bin Umar (radiAllahu anhu) narrated: “Allah Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
‘When someone dies, he is shown his destination morning and evening and if he belongs to the people of Paradise, (he will be shown his place) among the people of Paradise, and if he is from the people of Hell, (he will be shown his place) among the people of Hell.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“There was a dispute between Hell and Paradise during which Hell said, ‘The haughty and the proud will find abode in me.’ And Paradise said, ‘The meek and the humble will find their abode in me.’ Thereupon, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, (addressing Hell) said, ‘You are the means of My punishment by which I punish those of My servants whom I wish.’ (and addressing Paradise), He said, ‘You are My mercy by means of which I will show mercy to those whom I wish. And each one of you will be full.’”
[Muslim]
The Gates of Hell
“The unbelievers will be led to Hell in crowds until, when they arrive there, its gates will be opened..” [az-Zumar, 39: 71]
“And verily, Hell is the promised abode for them all. It has seven gates: to each of those gates is a specific class of sinners assigned.”
[al Hijr, 15: 43-44]
“To them will be said, ‘Enter you the gates of Hell to dwell therein. And how evil is this abode of the arrogant.’”
[az Zumar, 39: 72]
“But those who reject Our signs are the companions of the left hand – on them will be fire vaulted over.”
[al Balad, 90: 19-20]
In Arabic, the phrase “on them will be fire vaulted over” indicates that the gates of Hell be closed. In other words, the fire will encompass the companions of the Fire, and the gates of Hell will imprison them within. As well, the gates of Hell will be locked, vaulted all around, and outstretched columns will cover the doors.
“It is the fire of Allah, kindled to a blaze, which mounts right to the hearts. It will be a vault over them in outstretched columns.”
[al Humazah, 104: 6-9]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘When the month of Ramadan begins and the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Levels of Hell
“To all are degrees or ranks according to their deeds.”
[an-An'am, 6: 132]
“Is the man who follows the good pleasure of Allah like the one who draws upon himself the wrath of Allah and whose abode is in Hell – an evil refuge? They are varying grades in the sight of Allah, and Allah sees well all that they do.”
[ali'-Imran, 3: 162-163]
“Indeed the hypocrites are in the lowest depths of the Fire; you will find no helper for them.”
[an Nisa, 4: 145]
Capacity and Depth of Hell
On the Day of Judgment the inhabitants of Hell will see their destined abode face to face and will realize the error of their ways. But, of course, it will be too late. The Qur’an states: “No! When the earth is pounded to powder, and your Lord comes with His angels, rank upon rank, and Hell, that Day, is brought [face to face] – on that Day will man remember? But how will that remembrance profit him?”
[al Fajr, 89: 21-23]
“On the Day We will say to Hellfire, ‘have you been filled?’ it will say, ‘Are there some more?’”
[Qaf, 50: 30]
Ibn Mas'ud (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“Hell will be brought on that Day. IT will have seventy thousand reins with seventy thousand angels drawing it by each rein.”
[Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“And his (the disbeliever’s) seat in Hellfire is as much as (the distance) between Makkah and Madinah.”
[at-Tirmidhi and al-Hakim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported: “While we were in the company of Allah’s Messenger (SAW), we heard a terrible sound. Thereupon, Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, ‘Do you know what that sound is?’ When we answered, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ He said. “That is a stone which was thrown into Hell seventy years ago and has been constantly falling until now when it finally reached the bottom.’”
[Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“Hell and Paradise fell into a dispute during which Hell said, ‘I have been distinguished by the proud and the haughty.’ And Paradise said, ‘What is the matter with me that only the meek and the humble and the downtrodden and the simple enter me?’
Thereupon, Allah said to Paradise, ‘You are the means of My mercy whereby I show mercy to those of My servants whom I wish.’ Then HE said to Hell, ‘You are the means of punishment whereby I punish those of My servants whom I wish. Both of you will be full.’ Hell will not be filled up until Allah puts His foot over it. Then Hell will say, ‘Enough, enough, enough,’ at which point it will be filled up, all of its parts integrated together.”
[Muslim]
Anas bin Malik (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“Hell will continue to ask, ‘Is there anything more?’ until Allah, the Exalted, and High will place His foot thereon, Then it will say, ‘Enough, enough, by Your honor,’ and some of its parts will draw close together.’”
[Muslim]
The Fuel of Hell-Fire
People:
“Those who has disbelieved – their wealth and their children will never benefit them anything with Allah. And those are the ones who are the fuel of Hellfire.”
[ali'-Imran, 3: 10]
Jinn:
“And there are among us Muslims (in submission to Allah) and others who deviate from justice. And whoever accepts Islam has sought out the right path. As for those who deviate, they will be firewood for the Hellfire.”
[al-Jinn, 72: 14-15]
Stones:
“But if you cannot – and of a surety you cannot – then fear the fire whose fuel is men and stones, which is prepared for those who reject faith.”
[al Baqarah, 2: 24]
“O you who believe, save yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones, over which are appointed angels, stern and severe, who do not disobey Allah in what He orders them and who do precisely what they are commanded.”
[al-Tahreem, 66: 6]
False Gods
“Verily, you (unbelievers) and what you worship besides Allah are fuel for Hellfire, You will surely come to it. If those had (truly) been gods, they would not have come to it. But all will abide therein eternally.”
[al-Anbiya, 21: 98-99]
“And the Fierce Fire will be brought out before those straying in evil, and it will be said to them, ‘Where are those you worshipped besides Allah? Can they help you or help themselves?’ Then they will be thrown into it (the Hellfire) on their faces – they and those straying in evil and the soldiers of Iblees, all together.”
[ash Shu'ara, 26: 91-95]
The Intensity of its Fire
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated: “When Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
‘Your ordinary fire is one of the 70 potions of the Hellfire,’ someone commented, ‘O Messenger of Allah, would it (ordinary fire) not be sufficient (to burn the wrongdoers)?’ At that, Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, ‘The Hellfire has 69 more portions than ordinary (worldly) fire, and all of them are as hot as this (worldly fire).’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
“Verily, Allah has cursed the disbelievers and prepared for them a Blazing Fire. Dwelling therein forever, and they will find no protector or helper.”
[al-Ahzab, 33: 64-65]
“But he who is given his record behind his back will soon cry for destruction, and he will enter a blazing Fire.”
[al Inshiqaq, 84: 10-12]
“No, they deny the Hour (of the judgment to come), but We have prepared a blazing fire for such as deny the Hour. When it sees them from a far off place, they will hear its fury and its raging sigh. And when they are cast, bound, in chains, into constricted place therein, they will plead therein for destruction. Do not plead today for a single destruction; plead for destruction oft-repeated.”
[al-Furqan, 25: 11-14]
“The companions of the left hand – what are the companions of the left hand? (They will be) in the midst of a fierce blast (of fire) and in boiling water.”
[al Waqi'ah, 56: 41-42]
“But, he whose scales are light his home will be a pit. And what will make you understand what that is? (It is ) a fire, blazing fiercely.”
[al Qari’ah, 101: 8-11]
“Soon will I cast him into Saqar (the Hellfire). And what will explain to you what Saqar is? It permits nothing to endure, and it leaves nothing alone, darkening and changing the color of man.”
[al Muddaththir, 74: 26-29]
“Their abode will be Hell. Every time it abates. We will increase for them the blaze (the fierceness) of the fire.”
[al Isra, 17: 97]
“Those are the ones, who have exchanged the Hereafter for the gains of this worldly life. The punishment will not be lightened for them, and they will not be aided.”
[al Baqarah, 2: 86]
“So taste, (the result of your deeds), for We will not increase you except in punishment.”
[an Naba, 78: 30]
Anas (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“The most favored man among the dwellers of the Earth will be brought from among the people of the Fire on the Day of Resurrection. He will be dyed in the Fire but once, and then it will be said to him, ‘O son of Adam, have you ever seen good at all? Has any pleasure ever come to you?’ He will say, ‘No, by Allah, O Lord.’ Then the most miserable people in the world will be brought from the people of Paradise and will be dyed with the dye of Paradise. It will be said to him, ‘O son of Adam, have you ever seen any misery, and has any hardship ever come to you? ‘ He will say, ‘No, by Allah, O my Lord. No misery ever came to me, nor did I see any hardship.’”
[Muslim]
The Shade of Hell
“The companions of the left hand – what are the companions of the left hand? (They will be) in the midst of a fierce blast (of fire) and in boiling water and in the shades of black smoke – nothing cool and nothing beneficial.”
[Waqi’ah, 56: 41-44]
“And woe that Day to the deniers (of truth). ([It will be said], ‘Depart to a shadow [of smoke ascending] in three columns, [which yields] no shade of coolness and is of no use against the fierce blaze.’”
[Mursalat, 77: 28-31]
The Sparks of it's Fire
Indeed, it throws about sparks [as huge] as a palace, as if they were yellow camels.”
[al-Mursalat, 77: 32-33]
The Names of Hell-Fire
Jahannam:
“Truly Jahannam (the Hellfire) is lying in wait.”
[an-Naba, 78: 21]
Latha:
“By no means! For it is Latha (the fire of Hell) burning away right to the skull.”
[Ma’arij, 70: 15-16]
Al-Hutamah: (Crusher which Smashes or Breaks to Pieces):
“By no means! He will certainly be thrown into al-Hutamah. And what will make you understand what al-Hutamah is? It is the fire of Allah, kindled to a blaze, which mounts right to the hearts.”
[al Humazah, 104: 4-7]
Sa’eer (the Burning Fire):
“…a group in Paradise and a group in Sa’eer.”
[ash-Shura, 42: 7]
Saqar:
“Soon will I cast him into Saqar. And what will explain to you what Saqar is? It permits nothing to endure and it leaves nothing alone, darkening and changing the color of man.”
[al Muddaththir, 74: 26-29]
Al-Jaheem (The Fierce Fire):
“And al-Jaheem will be brought out before those straying in evil.”
[ash-Shu’ara, 26: 91]
Al-Hawiyah (The Pit)
“But he whose scales are light – his home will be a pit. And what will make you understand what that is? (It is) a fire, blazing fiercely.”
[al Qar’iah, 101: 8-11]
The Keepers of Hell
“Those in the Fire will say to the keepers of Hell, ‘Pray to your Lord to lighten for us the penalty for a day (at least).’ They will say, ‘Did there not come to you your messengers with clear signs?’ They will say, ‘Yes.’ They will reply, ‘Then pray as you like. But the prayer of those without faith is not but in error.’”
[Ghafir, 40: 49-50]
“O you who believe, save yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels, stern and severe, and who do not disobey Allah in what He orders them and who do precisely what they are commanded.”
[at-Tahreem, 66: 6]
“Over it are nineteen. And We have not made the guardians of the Fire except angels. And We have made their number only as a trial for the unbelievers – in order that the People of the Book may be certain and that the believers may increase in faith, and so that the People of the Book and the believers would not doubt, and that those in whose hearts is a disease and the unbelievers would say, ‘What example does Allah intend by this?’ Thus does Allah leave to stray whom he pleases and guides whom He pleases. And none can know the soldiers of your Lord except He. And this is nothing other than a warning to mankind.”
[Muddaththir, 74: 30-31]
“They will cry out, ‘O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us.’ He will say, “Surely, you will stay (as you are).’”
[adh-Dhukhrub, 43: 77]
Samurah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“Last night I saw [in a dream] two men coming to me. One of them said, ‘The one who lights the fire is Malik, the gatekeeper of Hell; I am Jibreel, and this is Mika’eel.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Ibn Abbas (radiAllahu anhu) related: “The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
‘On the night of my ascent to Heaven. I saw Musa (who was a tall, brown, curly-haired man) as if he was one of the men of the Shan’awah tribe. Then I saw ‘Isa, a man of medium height, of moderate complexion inclined to the red and white colors, and of lank hair. I also saw Malik, the gatekeeper of the Hellfire.’”
[Muslim]
The Effects upon the Present World
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“The Hellfire complained to its Lord, saying, ‘O my Lord, my different parts eat each other up.’ So Allah allowed it to take two breaths – one in the winter and the other in the summer. This is [the cause pf] the severe heat and the bitter cold you experience.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Ibn Umar (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“Fever is from the breath of the Hellfire; so cool it with water.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Dharr (radiAllahu anhu) narrated: “While the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) was on a journey, he said [regarding the performance of the thuhr prayer], ‘Wait until it gets cooler.’ He said the same thing again until the shade of the hillocks extended, and then he said, ‘Delay the [thuhr] prayer until it gets cooler, for the severity of heat is from the breath of Hell.’” (thuhr period is just before 'Asr)
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
The Great number of inhabitants
“And most of the people are not believers even though you take great care in this respect.”
[Yusuf, 12: 103]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated: “The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
‘The first man to be called on the Day of Resurrection will be Adam, who will be shown his descendants. And it will be said to them, “This is your father, Adam.” Adam will say, [responding to the call], “Labbayk wa sa’dayk.” Then Allah will say [to Adam], “Bring forth from your descendants the delegations of the Fire.” He will say, “O Lord, how many should I bring?” Allah will answer, “From every hundred, ninety-nine.’”
The companions said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, if ninety-nine out of every one hundred of us are brought forth , then what will remain of us?’ The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) stated, ‘My nation among other nations is like a white hair on a black bull.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
The Size of its inhabitants
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“The molar tooth of an unbeliever or the canine tooth of an unbeliever will be like [Mount] Uhud, and the thickness of his skin will be like a three night’s journey.”
[Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“The distance between the two shoulders of the non-believer in Hell will be like a three day’s journey for a swift rider.”
[Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“Indeed, the thickness of the disbeliever’s skin will be the length of forty-two forearms of those of giants, his molar tooth like [Mount] Uhud, and his seat in Hellfire [the distance] between Makkah and Madinah.”
[at-Tirmidhi and al-Hakim]
Some of its inhabitants
Imran bin Husayn (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“I looked into Paradise and saw that the majority of its inhabitants were the poor, and I looked into Hell and saw that the majority of its inhabitants were women.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Usamah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) stated:
“I stood at the gate of Paradise and saw that the majority of the people who entered it were the poor, while those of means were held [for account], except the companions of the Fire, who were already ordered to [be taken to] the Fire. And I stood at the gate of the Fire and [saw that] the majority of those who entered it were women.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Ibn Abbas (radiAllahu anhu) stated: “The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
‘I looked into the Hellfire, and the majority of its dwellers were women who were ungrateful.’ It was asked, ‘Did they disbelieve in (i.e. were ungrateful to ] Allah?’ He replied, ‘They were ungrateful to their husbands and were ungrateful for favors and the good deeds done for them. If you had always been good to one of them and then she saw something in you not to her liking, she would say, ‘I have never seen any good from you at all.”’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Pharaoh:
“And We sent Musa with Our clear [signs] and an authority manifest unto Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they followed the command of Pharaoh. And the command of Pharaoh was no right guide. He will go before his people on the Day of Judgment and lead them into the Fire. And how evil will be the place to which they are led. And they are followed by a curse in this [life] and on the Day of Judgment. And evil is the gift which will be given [to them].”
[Hud, 11: 96-99]
“The Fire – they will be exposed to it morning and evening, and on the Day that judgment will be established [it will be said], ‘Cast the people of Pharaoh into the severest punishment.’”
[Ghafir, 40: 46]
The Wives of Nuh and Lut:
“Allah has given an example of those who disbelieve: the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut. They were under two of Our righteous servants but betrayed them; so they [the two prophets] did not benefit them [the wives] before Allah at all, and they were told, ‘Enter the Fire with those who enter.’”
[at-Tahreem, 66: 10]
Abu Lahab and His Wife:
“May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined, and ruined is he. His wealth will not avail him nor that which he gained. He will enter a flaming fire and his wife [as well] – the carrier of firewood – around her neck a rope of palm fiber.”
[Masad, 111: 1-5]
Amr bin Luhayy:
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“I saw ‘Amr bin Luhayy bin Qam’a bin Khindif, brother of Bani Ka’b, dragging his intestines in the Fire.”
[Muslim]
Amr bin Amir al-Khuya'i:
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) stated that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“I saw 'Amr bin 'Amir al-Khuya'i dragging his intestines in the Fire; he was the first who dedicated to animals to false deities.”
[Muslim]
Abu Talib:
Ibn Abbas (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“Of the inmates of the Fire, the one with the easiest punishment will be Abu Talib; he will be wearing a pair of shoes which will cause his brain to boil.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
“He will say, ‘Enter into the company of communities who passed away before you – of jinn and men – into the Fire.’”
[al-A'raf, 7: 38]
“If your Lord had so willed, He could have make mankind one people, but they will not cease to dispute except those on whom your Lord has bestowed His mercy. And the word of your Lord will be fulfilled: ‘Certainly I will fill Hell with jinn and men all together.’”
[Hud, 11: 118-119]
“Then they will be thrown into it [the Hellfire] on their faces – they and those straying in evil and the soldiers of Iblees, all together.”
[ash-Shu'ara, 26: 94-95]
Categories of its inhabitants
Disbelievers:
“But those who disbelieve and deny Our signs will be companions of the Fire; they will abide therein.”
[Sahih al-Baqarah, 2: 39]
“Those who have disbelieved and died while they are disbelievers will have the curse of Allah upon them and the [curse of the ] angels and all of mankind. [they will abide] eternally therein. The punishment will not be lightened for them, nor will the punishment be postponed.”
[Sahih al-Baqarah, 2: 161-162]
Hypocrites:
“Indeed the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire; you will find no helper for them.”
[an-Nisa, 4: 145]
“The hypocrites are afraid that a surah be sent down about them, showing them what is [really] in their hearts. Say, ‘Ridicule you! But verily, Allah will expose all that you fear.’ If you question them, they declare, ‘We were only talking idly and playing.’ Say, ‘Is it Allah and His signs and His messengers that you were mocking?’ Make no excuses that you were rejected faith after having accepted it. IF We pardon some of you, We will punish others because they were criminals. The hypocrites – men and women are of one another. They enjoin evil and forbid what is just and close their hands [in stinginess]. They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them. Verily, the hypocrites are rebellious and perverse. Allah has promised the hypocrites men and women and the rejecters of faith the fire of Hell; they will dwell therein. It is sufficient for them. And Allah will curse them, and they will have an enduring punishment.”
[at-Tawbah, 9: 64-68]
Polytheists (Those who Associate Something with Allah):
“Those who reject [truth] among the People of the Book and the polytheists were not going to depart [from their ways] until there comes to them clear evidence – a messenger from Allah, rehearsing pure scriptures, wherein are upright laws [or decrees]. Nor did those who had been given the scripture make schisms until after there had come to them clear evidence. And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, sincere in religion to Him, to establish regular prayer, and to pay zakah. And that is the upright religion. Those who reject [truth] among the People of the Book and the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, dwelling therein forever. They are the worst of creatures.”
[al-Bayyinah, 98: 1-6]
People of the Book (Who Reject Islam):
“Those reject [truth] among the People of the Book are the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, dwelling there therein forever. They are the worst of creatures.”
[al-Bayyinah, 98: 6]
Arrogant Rejecters of the Truth:
“But those who reject Our signs and treat them with arrogance – they are the companions of the Fire, dwelling therein forever.”
[al-A'raf, 7: 36]
Sinners and Criminals:
“Indeed the criminals will be in the punishment of Hell, dwelling therein forever. It will not be lightened for them, and they will be overwhelmed there in despair. And We have not wronged them, but it is they who have wronged [themselves].”
[az-Zukhruf, 43: 74-76]
The Unjust:
“Then it will be said to those who were unjust, ‘Taste the eternal punishment. Are you recompensed except for what you used to earn?’”
[Yunus, 10: 52]
Transgressors:
“But when there comes the Greatest Event – the Day when man will remember what he strove for and the Hellfire will be brought forth for [all] to see – then for him who had transgressed and preferred the life of this world, indeed Hellfire will be his shelter.”
[an-Nazi'at, 79: 34-39]
Concealers of Allah’s Revelations:
“Those who conceal what We have sent down of proofs and guidance after We have made it clear to the people in the scripture- those are cursed by Allah and cursed by those who [are entitled to] curse.”
[Surah al Baqarah, 2: 159]
("those who curse" refers to the angels and believers.)
Tyrants:
“But they asked victory, and disappointment is the lot of every obstinate tyrant. In front of him is Hell, and he is given pus to drink. He will gulp it but will hardly be able t oswallow it, and death will come to him from every place, yet he will not die. And in front of him will be a heavy punishment.”
[Ibrahim, 14: 15-17]
“[It will be said to the two angels], ‘Throw into Hellfire every obstinate rejecter [of Allah] – who prevented good, transgressed, and doubted, who set up another god besides Allah – throw him into the severe punishment.’”
[Qaf, 50: 24-26]
Murderers:
“And whoever kills a believer intentionally – his recompense is Hell to abide therein forever, and the warth and the curse of Alllah is upon him, and He has prepared for him a great punishment.”
[an-Nisa, 4: 93]
Persecutors of Believers:
”Those who presect [or draw into temptations] the believers – men and women – and then do not turn in repentance will have the punishment of Hell, and they will have the punishment of the Burning Fire.”
[al-Buruj, 85: 10]
Those who Prefer this world and Neglect the Hereafter:
“Whoever wishes for the immediate – We hasten to grant him such things as We will to whom We will. Then We have mark for them hallmark they will burn therein, disgraced and rejected.”
[al-Isra', 17: 18]
Those who Commit Suicide:
Abu Huraiarh (radiAllahu anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘He who kills himself with a steel [weapon] will be eternal inhabitant of Hell, and he will have that [weapon] in his hand and will be thrusting it into his stomach forever and ever; he who kills himself by drinking poison will sip in the fire of Hell, forever and forever. He will kills himself by throwing himself from a the top of a mountain and will constantly fall in the fire of Hell forever and ever.”
[Muslim]
Other Inhabitants:
Harithah bin Wahb narrated (radiAllahu anhu) that he heard the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) say:
“Shall I not inform you who the people of Paradise are? [They are comprised of] every person who is weak and taken advantage of, but if he swore that Allah would do something, He (suhanahu wa ta’ala) would comply. And shall I not inform you who the people of Hell are? [They are comprised of ] every one who is cruel, proud and arrogant.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]
It is narrated: “The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
‘The inhabitants of Hell are five: 1) the weak who lack self-restraint, who follow blindly and do not care for family or property (i.e. they care neither for the benefits of the Hereafter nor of this world); 2) the treacherous who does not show himself but his greed is such that he is deceitful even in small things; 3) a person who would betray you morning and evening regarding your family and your property.’ He also made mention of 4) the miser of the liar and 5) one who is in the habit of abusing people and using obscene and foul language.”
[Muslim]
It is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“Paradise and Hell fell into a dispute for, accommodating the haughty and proud, and Paradise said, ‘What is the matter with me that only the meek and the humble and the downtrodden and simple will find abode in me?’ Thereupon, Allah said to Paradise, ‘You are a means of My mercy. I will show mercy through you to whom I will from among My servants.’ Then He said to Hell, ‘You are a sign of My chastisement, and I will chastise through you whom I will from among My servants. Both of you will be full.’ And as regards to Hell, it will not be full until Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, places His foot over it. Then Hell will say, ‘Enough, enough, enough!’ at which point it will be full and will be compressed. Allah will not treat unjustly anyone among His creation. As for Paradise, He will create another creation to fill it.”
[Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“There are two types of inhabitants of Hell whom I have not seen in my lifetime: People who have whips like the tails of oxen with them and will be beating people, and women who will be dressed yet undressed, who will be inclined to evil and will make others incline towards it. Their heads will appear like the humps of Persian camels inclined to one side. They will not enter Paradise, nor will they even smell its odor, although will be smelled from long distances away.”
[Muslim]
(When the Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) saw Hell, many different kinds of people were there; however, there were two types whom he did not recognize because they did not exist at the time when he was alive, (seventh century). These two types of people are the following:
1) those carrying whips who were beating others (oppressors)
2) women wearing revealing outfits much like the fashionable clothing of today. These women have unusual hairstyles, perhaps like the ones worn by modern-day women. Through this hadith the Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) predicted the nature of women’s clothing in the future- he foretold that clothing considered fashionable would reveal much of the body – and he also predicted the nature of the hairstyles and wigs of modern times worn by those women who will be among the inhabitants of Hell).
The Food of Hell
"No food will there be for them except bitter dhari (a thorny plant), which will neither nourish nor satisfy hunger."
[Surah al-Ghashiyah, 88: 6-7]
“Verily, the tree of Zaqqum will be the food of the sinful. Like molten brass it will boil in their insides like the boiling of scalding water.”
[ad-Dukhan, 44: 43-46]
“Is that (Paradise) the better hospitality or the tree of Zaqqum? For We have truly made it as a torment for the wrongdoers. For it is a tree that springs out of the bottoms of Hellfire; the shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of devils. Truly they will eat from it and fill their bellies with it. Then on top of that they will be given a mixture of boiling water.”
[as-Saffat, 37: 62-67).
“Then will you truly –O you who have gone astray an denied – you will surely eat of the trees of Zaqqum. Then will you fill your stomachs with it and drink boiling water on top of it, and you will drink boiling water on top of it, and you will drink like diseased camels, raging with thirst. Such will be their hospitality on the Day of Requital.”
[al-Qaqi’ah, 56: 51-56]
“With Us are yokes (to bind them) and fire (to burn them) and food that chokes and a grievous punishment.”
[al-Muzzammil, 73: 12-13]
“So he has no friend here this Day, nor does he have any food except what comes from the washing of wounds, which none will eat except the sinners.”
[al Haqqah, 69: 35-37]
“Thus, All this. But indeed for the oppressors will be an evil place of final return. It is Hellfire – they will burn therein, and how evil is that bed, Thus, then will they taste it – a boiling fluid and a filthy fluid of pus and blood and other penalties of a similar kind to match them.”
[Sad, 38: 55-58]
Ibn Abbas (radiAllahu anhu) reported: “The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) recited the following verse: ‘Fear Allah with the fear due to Him, and do not die except as Muslims.’ Then he said, ‘If a drop of Zaqqum would have fallen into a house in this world, it would have spoiled all the provisions of the people of this world. Then how will it be with one whose food it has become?’”
[at-Tirmidhi, Surah ali'-Imran, 3: 102]
“Those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans are only eating fire into their bellies. They will soon be driven into a blazing fire.”
[an-Nisa, 4: 10]
“Truly, those who conceal what Allah has revealed from the scripture and exchange it for a small price – they are not taking into their stomachs except fire. Allah will not speak to them on the Day of Judgment, and He will not purify them. And they will have a painful punishment.”
[al-Baqarah, 2: 174]
The Drinks of Hell
Hameem (Boiling Water):
“Here is a parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised. In it are rivers of water, incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine, delicious to those who drink; and rivers of honey, pure and clear. In it there are for them all kinds of fruits and forgiveness from their Lord [Can those in such bliss] be compared to such as will dwell forever in the Fire and be given boiling water to drink that will cut up their bowels?”
[Muhammad, 47: 15]
“This is the Hell which the criminals deny. They will go back and forth between it and boiling hot water.”
[ar-Rahman, 55: 43-44]
“Thus. Then will they taste it – a boiling fluid and a filthy fluid of pus and blood and other penalties of a similar kind to match them.”
[Sad, 38: 57-58]
“Has the story reached you of the Overwhelming Event? Some faces, that Day, will be humiliated, laboring hard, weary. They will be driven into a blazing fire. They will be given drink from a boiling spring.”
[al-Ghashiyah, 88: 1-5]
“To Him will be your return all of you. The promise of Allah is true. It is He who begins the process of creation and repeats it that HE may reward those who believe and work righteousness with justice. But those who reject Him will have a drink of boiling fluids and a painful punishment because of their rejection.”
[Yunus, 10: 4]
“Then will you truly – O you who have gone astray and denied – you will surely eat of the trees of Zaqqum. Then will you fill your stomachs with it and drink boiling water on top of it, and you will drink like diseased camels raging with thirst. Such will be their hospitality on the Day of Requital.”
[al Waqi’ah, 56: 51-56]
“Truly they will eat from it and fill their bellies with it. Then on top of that they will be given a mixture of boiling water. Then their return will be to Hellfire.”
[as Saffat, 37: 66-68]
Ghassaq (a Fluid of pus & blood which has oozed from their skins) “Thus, then will they taste it – a boiling fluid and a filthy fluid of pus and blood and other penalties of a similar kind to match them.”
[Sad, 38: 57-58]
“In front of him is Hell, and he is given pus to drink. He will gulp it but will hardly be able to swallow it, and death will come to him from every place, yet, he will not die. And in front of him will be a heavy punishment.”
[Ibrahim, 14: 16-17]
Water Like Molten Brass:
“Say, The Truth is from your Lord, so let him who will, believe, and let him who will, reject it.’ Indeed We have prepared for the wrongdoers a fire whose walls surround them. If they call for relief, they will be relieved with water like molten brass that will scald their faces. How dreadful the drink. How evil the resting place.”
[al Kahf, 18: 29]
The Garments of Hell
Garments from Fire:
“These two opponents dispute with each other about their Lord. But those who disbelieve will have garments of fire cut out for them. Over their heads will be poured boiling water.”
[al Hajj, 22: 19]
Garments from Black Pitch:
“And you will see the criminals that Day bound together in chains and yokes- their garments of liquid pitch and their faces covered with fire.”
[Ibrahim, 14: 49-50]
Beds and Bedcovers of Hell
“They will have from Hellfire a bed and over them from it coverings. Thus do We reward the unjust.”
[al-Araf, 7: 41]
“It may be that your Lord may show mercy unto you, but if you revert to your sins. We will revert to Our punishments. And We have made Hell a mat for the disbelievers.”
[al Isra', 17: 8]
Yokes, Chains and Maces
“Do you not see those who dispute concerning the signs of Allah – how they are turned away from truth? Those who reject the Book and that with which We sent Our messengers – soon they will know. When the yokes will be round their necks and the chains. They will be dragged in the boiling water. Then in the Fire they will be burned.”
[Ghafir, 40: 69-72]
“They will conceal their regret when they see the penalty. And We will put yokes on the necks of the unbelievers. Are they recompensed except for what they used to do?”
[Saba, 34: 33]
“For the disbelievers We have prepared chains, yokes and a blazing fire.”
[al Insan, 76: 4]
“With Us are yokes to bind them and fire to burn them.”
[al Muzzammil, 73: 12]
“And you will see the criminals that Day bound together in chains and yokes.”
[Ibrahim, 14: 49]
“It will be commanded, ‘Seize him and bind him. Then drive him into the Hellfire. Then in a chain whose length is seventy cubits bind him.’ For indeed, he would not believe in Allah, Most Great, and would not encourage the feeding of the poor. So he has no friend here this Day.”
[al Haqqah, 69: 30-35]
“And for them are maces of iron to punish them. Every time they wish to get out from it and from anguish, they will be returned to it, and it will be said, ‘Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire!’”
[al Hajj, 22: 21-22]
Variance in Degree of Penalties
“Indeed the hypocrites are in the lowest depths of the Fire; you will find no helper for them.”
[an Nisa, 4: 145]
“The Fire – they will be exposed to it morning and evening, and on the Day, that judgment will be established [it will be said], ‘Cast the people of Pharaoh into the severest punishment.’”
[Ghafir, 40: 46]
“Those who disbelieved and hindered [mankind] from the path of Allah – We will increase them in punishment over [their] punishment, for they used to spread corruption.”
[an Nahl, 16: 88]
Samurah bin Jundub (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“There will be some to whose ankles the fire will reach, some to whose knees the fire will reach, some to whose waists the fire will reach, and some to whose collarbones the fire will reach.”
[Muslim]
Nu’man bin Basheer (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“Verily, of the inmates of the Fire, the one with the easiest punishment will be one who will have a pair of sandals and s traps of fire. His brain will boil from them as a kettle boils. He does not see that anyone is suffering a punishment more severe than him, while he is the one with the easiest punishment.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Ibn Abbas (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“Of the inmates of the Fire, the one with the easiest punishment will be Abu Talib; he will be wearing a pair of shoes which will cause his brain to boil.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Examples of Punishments
“No, but stain has covered their hearts from that which they have earned. Verily, they will be concealed [and prevented] from their Lord that Day. Then they will enter Hellfire. Then it will be said to them, ‘This is [the reality] which you used to deny.’”
[al Mutaffifeen, 83: 14-17]
Skins Will be Roasted:
“Those who have disbelieved in Our signs – We will burn them in fire. As often as their skins are roasted through, We will exchange them for other skins so that they may taste the punishment. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.”
[Surah an-Nisa, 4: 56]
Skins and Intestines will be Scalded:
“These two opponents dispute [with each other] about their Lord. But those who disbelieve will have garments of fire cut out for them. Over their heads will be poured boiling water. With it will be scalded what is within their bellies as well as [their] skins.”
[al-Hajj, 22: 19-20]
Faces will be Burned:
“And you will see the criminals that Day bound together in chains and yokes – their garments of liquid pitch and their faces covered with fire.”
[Surah Ibrahim, 14: 49-50]
“But those who scales [of good] are light, those are the ones who have lost their souls; [they will abide] in Hell eternally. The fire will burn, their faces, and they will [appear to] grin therein, their lips displaced.”
[al Mu’minun, 23: 103-104]
“If only the unbelievers knew [about] when they will not be able to ward off the fire from their faces, nor from their backs, and [that] they will not be helped. No, but it will come to them suddenly and confound them. And they will not be able to avert it, nor will they be given respite.”
[al Anbiya, 21: 39-40]
“The Day that their faces will be turned from side to side in the fire, they will say, ‘We wish that we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger.’”
[al-Ahzab, 33: 66]
“Is, then, one who will confront with his face the evil of the punishment on the Day of Judgment [like one protected from it]? It will be said to the wrong-doers, ‘Taste what you used to earn.’”
[az-Zumar, 39: 24]
Sinners will be Dragged:
“Truly, the criminals are in error and madness. The Day they will be dragged through the Fire on their faces, [they will hear], ‘Taste the touch of Hell.’”
[al Qamar, 54: 47-48]
“Do you not see those who dispute concerning the signs of Allah – how they are turned away [from truth]? Those who reject the Book and that with which We sent Our messengers – soon they will know. When the yokes [will be] round their necks and the chains. They will be dragged in the boiling water. Then in the Fire they will be burned.”
[Surah Ghafir, 40: 69-72]
Faces will Be Darkened:
“Do not be like those who are divided among themselves and fall into disputes after receiving clear proofs, for those will have a great punishment on the Day when some faces will be white and some faces will be black. As for those who faces are black, [it will be said], ‘Did you reject faith after accepting it? Taste, then, the punishment for what you used to reject.’”
[ali'-Imran, 3: 105-106]
“For those who do good is good – and extra! No darkness or shame will cover their faces. They are companions of the Garden. They will abide in it forever. But those who have earned evil will have a reward of like evil; humiliation will cover their faces. They will have no defender from [the wrath of] Allah. Their faces will be covered with pieces of the darkness of night. They are the companions of the Fire. They will abide in it forever.”
[Yunus, 10: 26-27]
Fire will Surround Them from All Directions:
“On the Day that the punishment will cover them from above them and below them, layers. With this Allah warns His servants, ‘O my servants, then fear Me!’”
[az-Zumar, 39: 16]
“Say, ‘The Truth is from your Lord, so let him who will, believe, and let him who will, reject [it].’ Indeed We have prepared for the wrongdoers a fire whose walls surround them. If they call for relief, they will be relieved with water like molten brass that will scald their faces. How dreadful the drink. How evil the resting place.”
[al Kahf, 18: 29]
Fire will Mount Right up to the Hearts:
“[It is] the fire of Allah kindled [to a blaze], which mounts right to the hearts. It will be a vault over them in outstretched columns.”
[al Humazah, 104: 6-9]
Intestines will come out of Bellies:
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) stated that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“I saw ‘Amr bin ‘Amir al Khuya’I dragging his intestines in the Fire; he was the first who dedicated animals to false deities.”
[Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“I saw ‘Amr bin Luhayy bin Qam’a bin Khindif, brother of Bani Ka’b, dragging his intestines in the Fire.”
[Muslim]
Abu Zayd Usamah bin Zayd bin Harithah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“On the Day of Judgment a man will be brought and thrown into Hell. As a result of this, his intestines will come out of his belly, and he will circumambulate, holding his intestines like a donkey running a mill. His companions in Hell will say to him, ‘O so and so, what is this? Did you not ask people to do good and avoid evil?’ He will say, ‘That is true. However, I told others to do good but did not do it myself, and I forbade them to do evil, but did it myself.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]
No Defense:
“Upon you, [O jinn and mankind], will be sent a flame of fire [to burn] and [molten] brass. You will have no defense!”
[ar-Rahman, 55: 35]
Weeping, Sighing and Sobbing of Its Inhabitants:
“Those who are wretched will be in the Fire. In it there will be for them the sound of exhaling and inhaling. They will dwell in it for all the time that the heavens and earth endure, except for what your Lord wills. For your Lord is the sure accomplisher of what He intends.”
[Hud, 11: 106-107]
“Verily, you [unbelievers] and what you worship besides Allah are fuel for Hellfire. You will surely come to it. If those had [truly] been gods, they would not have come to it. But all will abide therein eternally. There, for them will be heaving, deep signs, and they will not hear there [anything else].”
[al Anbiya, 21: 98-100]
“Therein they will cry out [for assistance], ‘Our Lord, remove us [and ] we will work righteousness – other than what we used to do.’ But did We not give you long enough life that whoever would be reminded therein could be reminded, and the warner had come to you? So taste [the result of your deeds]. There is no helper for the wrongdoers.”
[Fatir, 35: 37]
Regret, Grief and Self-Recrimination:
“They will conceal their regret when they see the penalty. And We will put yokes on the necks of the unbelievers. Are they recompensed except for what they used to do?”
[Saba, 34: 33]
“For those who reject their Lord is the penalty of Hell, and evil is such a destination. When they are cast therein, they will hear the terrible drawing in of its breath even as it blazes forth. It is almost bursting with fury. Every time a group is cast therein, its keepers will ask, ‘Did no warner come to you?’ They will say, ‘Yes, a warner had come to us, but we denied and said, ‘Allah has revealed nothing. You are but in great delusion.’ And they will say, ‘Had we listened or used our intelligence, we would not now be among the companions of the Blazing Fire.’ So they will confess their sin, but far will be forgiveness from the companions of the Blazing Fire.”
[al Mulk, 67: 6-11]
“If only you could see when the criminals hang their heads before their Lord, [saying], ‘Our Lord, we have seen and we have heard, so sent us back [to the world]; we will work righteousness, for we are indeed certain [now].’ If We had willed, We could certainly have brought every soul its guidance, but the Word will be realized: ‘I will fill Hell with jinn and men all together. Taste, then- for you forgot the meeting of this, your Day, We, [too], will forget you. And the taste the punishment of eternity for what you used to do.’”
[as Sajdah, 32: 12-14]
“They will say, ‘Our Lord, our misfortune overwhelmed us, and we were a people astray. Our Lord, remove us from this; if ever we return [to evil], then we will indeed be wrongdoers.’ He will say, ‘Remain humiliated therein, and do not speak to Me!’”
[al Mu'minun, 23: 106-108]
“For We had certainly sent unto them a Book which We had detailed with knowledge, a guide and a mercy to a people who believe. Are they waiting for it to be realized? On the Day it is realized, those who disregarded it before will say, ‘Indeed, the messengers of our Lord came with the truth. Are there no intercessors [now] to intercede on our behalf? Or could we be sent back to do other than we used to do?’ They will have lost their souls, and lost from them is [all] that which they used to invent.”
[al-A’raf, 7: 52-53]
“They will say, ‘Our Lord, you have made us lifeless twice and You have given us life twice. Now we have confessed our sins, so is there any way to get out?’ [The answer will be], ‘That is because when Allah was invoked alone you rejected [this], but if partners were associated with Him, you believed. The ruling [judgment] is with Allah, the Exalted, Most Great.’”
[Ghafir, 40: 11-12]
“How clearly they will see and hear the Day that they will come to Us. But the unjust today are in manifest error. But warn them of the Day of Regret, when the matter will be determined; yet, they are unmindful, and they do not believe.”
[Maryam, 19: 38-39]
Abu Sa’eed (radiAllahu anhu) reported: “Allah Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said,
‘Death will be brought on the Day of Resurrection in the form of a white-colored ram. [Abu Kurayb added: “Then it will be made to stand between Paradise and Hell.”] It will be said to the inhabitants of Paradise, ‘Do you recognize this?” They will stretch forth their necks and look towards it, saying, ‘Yes, it is death.” Then it will be said to the inhabitants of the Hellfire, ‘Do you recognize this?” And they will stretch forth their necks, look, and say, ‘Yes it is death.” Then the command will be given for slaughtering the ram, and it will be said, ‘O inhabitants of Paradise, [there is now] eternity and no death.” And then it will be said to the inhabitants of Hellfire, “O inhabitants of Hell, [there is now] eternity and no death.”’ Allah’s Messenger (SAW) then recited the following verse, pointing with his hand to this material world: ‘But warn them of the Day of Regret, when the matter will be determined; yet, they are unmindful, and they do not believe.’”
[Muslim, surah Maryam, 19: 39]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) related that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
“None will enter Paradise except that he will be shown the place that he would have occupied in Hellfire if he had been evil – so that he will be more thankful; each one of those who enter Hellfire will be shown the place that he would have occupied in Paradise if he had been good – so that he will increase in regret.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
We hear and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord!
To You is the journey's end.
[surah Baqarah, 2: 285]
Ameen.
From : http://www.shariahprogram.ca
Gheebah (Backbiting)
Allah T'ala says in the Holy Quran:
O you who have believed, avoid much suspicion, for some suspicions are sins. Do not spy, nor should any one backbite the other. Is there any among you who would like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?' Nay, you yourselves abhor it. Fear Allah, for Allah is Acceptor of repentance and All-Merciful. (49:12)
Gheebat (back-biting) has been defined thus: "It is saying on the back of a person something which would hurt him if he came to know of it. " This definition has been reported from the Holy Prophet himself. According to a tradition which Muslim, Abu Da'ud, Tirmidhi, Nasa'i and others have related on the authority of Hadrat Abu Hurairah, the Holy Prophet defined Gheebat as follows:
"It is talking of your brother in a way irksome to him." It was asked: "What, if the defect being talked of is present in my brother ?" The Holy Prophet replied: "If it is present in him, it would be Gheebat; if it is not there, it would be slandering him."
In another tradition which Imam Malik has related in Mu'watta, on the authority of Hadrat Muttalib bin `Abdullah, "A person asked the Holy Prophet: What is Gheebat? The Holy Prophet replied: It is talking of your brother in a way irksome to him. He asked: Even if it is true, O Messenger of Allah? He replied: If what you said was false, it would then be a calumny."
These traditions make it plain that uttering a false accusation against a person in his absence is calumny and describing a real defect in him Gheebat; whether this is done in express words or by reference and allusion, in every case it is forbidden. Likewise, whether this is done in the lifetime of a person, or after his death, it is forbidden in both cases.
According to Abu Da'ud, when Ma`iz bin Malik Aslami had been stoned to death for committing adultery, the Holy Prophet on his way back heard a man saying to his companion: "Look at this man: Allah had concealed his secret, but he did not leave himself alone till he was killed like a dog!" A little further on the way there was the dead body of a donkey lying rotting. The Holy Prophet stopped, called the two men and said: "Come down and eat this dead donkey." They submitted: "Who will eat it, O Messenger of Allah?" The Holy Prophet said: "A little before this you were attacking the honor of your brother: that was much worse than eating this dead donkey."
The only exceptions to this prohibition are the cases in which there may be a genuine need of speaking in of a person on his back, or after his death, and this may not be fulfilled without resort to backbiting, and if it was not resorted to, a greater evil might result than backbiting itself. The Holy Prophet has described this exception as a principle, thus: "The worst excess is to attack the honour of a Muslim unjustly." (Abu Da'ud).
In this saying the condition of "unjustly" points out that doing so "with justice" is permissible. Then, in the practice of the Holy Prophet himself we find some precedents which show what is implied by "justice" and in what conditions and cases backbiting may be lawful to the extent as necessary.
Once a desert Arab came and offered his Prayer under the leadership of the Holy Prophet, and as soon as the Prayer was concluded, walked away saying: "O God, have mercy on me and on Muhammad, and make no one else a partner in this mercy beside the two of us." The Holy Prophet said to the Companions: `What do you say: who is more ignorant: this person or his camel? Didn't you hear what he said?" (Abu Da`ud). The Holy Prophet had to say this in his absence, for he had left soon after the Prayer was over. Since he had uttered a wrong thing in the presence of the Holy Prophet, his remaining quiet at it could cause the misunderstanding that saying such a thing might in some degree be lawful; therefore, it was necessary that he should contradict it.
Two of the Companions, Hadrat Mu`awiyah and Hadrat Abu Jahm, sent the proposal of marriage to a lady, Fatimah bint Qais. She came to the Holy Prophet and asked for his advice. He said: "Mu`awiyah is a poor man and Abu Jahm beats his wives much." (Bukhari, Muslim). In this case, as there was the question of the lady's future and she had consulted the Holy Prophet for his advice, he deemed it necessary to inform her of the two men's weaknesses.
One day when the Holy Prophet was present in the apartment of Hadrat 'A'ishah, a man came and sought permission to see him. The Holy Prophet remarked that he was a very bad man of his tribe. Then he went out and talked to him politely. When he came back into the house, Hadrat `A'ishah asked: "You have talked to him politely, whereas when you went out you said something different about him. " The Holy Prophet said, "On the day of Resurrection the worst abode in the sight of Allah will be of the person whom the people start avoiding because of his abusive language." (Bukhari, Muslim). A study of this incident will show that the Holy Prophet in spite of having a bad opinion about the person talked to him politely because that was the demand of his morals; but he had the apprehension lest the people of his house should consider the person to be his friend when they would see him treating him kindly, and then the person might use this impression to his own advantage later. Therefore, the Holy Prophet warned Hadrat `A'ishah telling her that he was a bad man of his tribe.
Once Hind bint 'Utbah, wife of Hadrat Abu Sufyan, came to the Holy Prophet and said: "Abu Sufyan is a miserly person: he does not provide enough for me and my children's needs. " (Bukhari, Muslim). Although this complaint from the wife in the absence of the husband was backbiting, the Holy Prophet pemitted it, for the oppressed has a right that he or she may take the complaint of injustice to a person who has the power to get it removed.
From these precedents of the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, the jurists and traditionists have deduced this principle: 'Gheebat (backbiting) is permissible only in case it is needed for a real and genuine (genuine from the Shari'ah point of view) necessity and the necessity may not be satisfied without having resort to it". Then on the basis of the same principle the scholars have declared that Gheebat is permissible in the following cases:
(1) Complaining by an oppressed person against the oppressor before every such person who he thinks can do something to save him from the injustice.
(2) To make mention of the evils of a person (or persons) with the intention of reform before those who can do expected to help remove the evils.
(3) To state the facts of a case before a legal expert for the purpose of seeking a religious or legal ruling regarding an unlawful act committed by a person.
(4) To warn the people of the mischiefs of a person (or persons) so that they may ward off the evil, e g. it is not only permissible but obligatory to mention the weaknesses of the reporters, witnesses and writers, for without it, it is not possible to safeguard the Shariah against the propagation of false reports, the courts against injustices and the common people or the students against errors and misunderstandings. Or, for instance, if a person wants to have the relationship of marriage with somebody, or wishes to rent a house in the neighborhood of somebody, or wants to give something into the custody of somebody, and consults another person, it is obligatory for him to apprise him of all aspects so that he is not deceived because of ignorance.
(5) To raise voice against and criticise the evils of the people who may be spreading sin and immorality and error, or corrupting the people's faith and persecuting them.
(6) To use nicknames for the people who may have become well known by those names, but this should be done for the purpose of their recognition and not with a view to condemn them. (For details, see Fat-h al-Bari, vol. X, p. 362; Sharah Muslim by An-Nawawi; Riyad us-Salihin; al-Jassas, Ahkam al-Qur an; Ruh al-Maani commentary on verse wa a yaghtab ba 'dukum ba 'dan).
Apart from these exceptions it is absolutely forbidden to speak ill of a person behind his back. If what is spoken is true, it is Gheebat; if it is false, it is calumny; and if it is meant to make two persons quarrel, it is slander. The Shari'ah has declared all these as forbidden. In the Islamic society it is incumbent on every Muslim to refute a false charge made against a person in his presence and not to listen to it quietly, and to tell those who are speaking ill of somebody, without a genuine religious need, to fear God and desist from the sin. The Holy Prophet has said: If a person does not support and help a Muslim when he is being disgraced and his honour being attacked, Allah also does not support and help him when he stands in need of His help; and if a person helps and supports a Muslim when his honour is being attacked and he is being disgraced, Allah Almighty also helps him when he wants that AIlah should help him. (Abu Da'ud).
As for the backbiter, as soon as he realizes that he is committing this sin, or has committed it, his first duty is to offer repentance before Allah and restrain himself from this forbidden act. His second duty is that he should compensate for it as far as possible. If he has backbitten a dead person, he should ask Allah's forgiveness for the person as often as he can. If he has backbitten a living person, and what he said was also false, he should refute it before the people before whom he had made the calumny. And if what he said was true, he should never speak ill of him in future, and should ask pardon of the person whom he had backbitten. A section of the scholars has expressed the opinion that pardon should be asked only in case the other person has come to know of it; otherwise one should only offer repentance, for if the person concerned is unaware and the backbiter in order to ask pardon goes and tells him that he had backbitten him, he would certainly feel hurt.
In the verse, Allah by likening backbiting to eating a dead brother's flesh has given the idea of its being an abomination. Eating the dead flesh is by itself abhorrent; and when the flesh is not of an animal, but of a man, and that too of one's own dead brother, abomination would be added to abomination. Then, by presenting the simile in the interrogative tone it has been made all the more impressive, so that every person may ask his own conscience and decide whether he would like to eat the flesh of his dead brother. If he would not, and he abhors it by nature, how he would like that he should attack the honour of his brother-in-faith in his absence, when he cannot defend himself and when he is wholly unaware that he is being disgraced. This shows that the basic reason of forbidding backbiting is not that the person being backbitten is being hurt but speaking ill of a person in his absence is by itself unlawful and forbidden whether he is aware of it, or not, and whether he feels hurt by it or not. Obviously, eating the flesh of a dead man is not forbidden because it hurts the dead man; the dead person is wholly unaware that somebody is eating of his body, but because this act by itself is an abomination. Likewise, if the person who is backbitten also does not come to know of it through any means, he will remain unaware throughout his life that somebody had attacked his honour at a particular time before some particular people and on that account he had stood disgraced in the eyes of those people. Because of this unawareness he will not feel at all hurt by this backbiting, but his honour would in any case be sullied. Therefore, this act in its nature is not any different from eating the flesh of a dead brother.
(Tafheemul Quran)
Hubble Sees Suspected Asteroid Collision
February 2, 2010: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has observed a mysterious X-shaped debris pattern and trailing streamers of dust that suggest a head-on collision between two asteroids. Astronomers have long thought that the asteroid belt is being ground down through collisions, but such a smashup has never been seen before.The object, called P/2010 A2, was discovered by the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) sky survey on Jan. 6. At first, astronomers thought it might be a so-called "main belt comet"--a rare case of a comet orbiting in the asteroid belt. Follow-up images taken by Hubble on Jan. 25 and 29, however, revealed a complex X-pattern of filamentary structures near the nucleus:
"This is quite different from the smooth dust envelopes of normal comets," says principal investigator David Jewitt of the University of California at Los Angeles. "The filaments are made of dust and gravel, presumably recently thrown out of the nucleus. Some are swept back by radiation pressure from sunlight to create straight dust streaks. Embedded in the filaments are co-moving blobs of dust that likely originated from tiny unseen parent bodies."
Read More
Solar Dynamics Observatory: The 'Variable Sun' Mission
February 5, 2010: For some years now, an unorthodox idea has been gaining favor among astronomers. It contradicts old teachings and unsettles thoughtful observers, especially climatologists."The sun," explains Lika Guhathakurta of NASA headquarters in Washington DC, "is a variable star."
But it looks so constant...
That's only a limitation of the human eye. Modern telescopes and spacecraft have penetrated the sun's blinding glare and found a maelstrom of unpredictable turmoil. Solar flares explode with the power of a billion atomic bombs. Clouds of magnetized gas (CMEs) big enough to swallow planets break away from the stellar surface. Holes in the sun's atmosphere spew million mile-per-hour gusts of solar wind.
And those are the things that can happen in just one day.
Over longer periods of decades to centuries, solar activity waxes and wanes with a complex rhythm that researchers are still sorting out. The most famous "beat" is the 11-year sunspot cycle, described in many texts as a regular, clockwork process. In fact, it seems to have a mind of its own.
Read More
Ikhlas
Inginkah Anda Menjadi Orang yang Ikhlas?Seorang ulama yang bernama Sufyan Ats Tsauri pernah berkata, “Sesuatu yang paling sulit bagiku untuk aku luruskan adalah niatku, karena begitu seringnya ia berubah-ubah.” Niat yang baik atau keikhlasan merupakan sebuah perkara yang sulit untuk dilakukan. Hal ini dikarenakan sering berbolak-baliknya hati kita. Terkadang ia ikhlas, di lain waktu tidak. Padahal, sebagaimana yang telah kita ketahui bersama, ikhlas merupakan suatu hal yang harus ada dalam setiap amal kebaikan kita. Amal kebaikan yang tidak terdapat keikhlasan di dalamnya hanya akan menghasilkan kesia-siaan belaka. Bahkan bukan hanya itu, ingatkah kita akan sebuah hadits Rasulullah yang menyatakan bahwa tiga orang yang akan masuk neraka terlebih dahulu adalah orang-orang yang beramal kebaikan namun bukan karena Allah?. Ya, sebuah amal yang tidak dilakukan ikhlas karena Allah bukan hanya tidak dibalas apa-apa, bahkan Allah akan mengazab orang tersebut, karena sesungguhnya amalan yang dilakukan bukan karena Allah termasuk perbuatan kesyirikan yang tak terampuni dosanya kecuali jika ia bertaubat darinya, Allah berfirman yang artinya, “Sesungguhnya Allah tidak akan mengampuni dosa syirik, dan Dia mengampuni segala dosa yang selain dari (syirik) itu, bagi siapa yang dikehendaki-Nya. Barang siapa yang mempersekutukan Allah, Maka sungguh ia telah berbuat dosa yang besar.” (QS. An Nisa : 48)
Ibnu Rajab dalam kitabnya Jami’ul Ulum Wal Hikam menyatakan, “Amalan riya yang murni jarang timbul pada amal-amal wajib seorang mukmin seperti shalat dan puasa, namun terkadang riya muncul pada zakat, haji dan amal-amal lainnya yang tampak di mata manusia atau pada amalan yang memberikan manfaat bagi orang lain (semisal berdakwah, membantu orang lain dan lain sebagainya). Keikhlasan dalam amalan-amalan semacam ini sangatlah berat, amal yang tidak ikhlas akan sia-sia, dan pelakunya berhak untuk mendapatkan kemurkaan dan hukuman dari Allah.”
Bagaimana Agar Aku Ikhlas ?
Setan akan senantiasa menggoda dan merusak amal-amal kebaikan yang dilakukan oleh seorang hamba. Seorang hamba akan terus berusaha untuk melawan iblis dan bala tentaranya hingga ia bertemu dengan Tuhannya kelak dalam keadaan iman dan mengikhlaskan seluruh amal perbuatannya. Oleh karena itu, sangat penting bagi kita untuk mengetahui hal-hal apa sajakah yang dapat membantu kita agar dapat mengikhlaskan seluruh amal perbuatan kita kepada Allah semata, dan di antara hal-hal tersebut adalah
Banyak Berdoa
Di antara yang dapat menolong seorang hamba untuk ikhlas adalah dengan banyak berdoa kepada Allah. Lihatlah Nabi kita Muhammad shallallahu alaihi wa sallam, di antara doa yang sering beliau panjatkan adalah doa:
« اَللّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوْذُ بِكَ أَنْ أُشْرِكَ بِكَ وَأَنَا أَعْلَمُ وَأَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا لاَ أَعْلَمُ »
“Ya Allah, aku memohon perlindungan kepada-Mu dari perbuatan menyekutukan-Mu sementara aku mengetahuinya, dan akupun memohon ampun terhadap perbuatan syirik yang tidak aku ketahui.” (Hadits Shahih riwayat Ahmad)
Nabi kita sering memanjatkan doa agar terhindar dari kesyirikan padahal beliau adalah orang yang paling jauh dari kesyirikan. Inilah dia, Umar bin Khattab radhiyallahu ‘anhu, seorang sahabat besar dan utama, sahabat terbaik setelah Abu Bakar, di antara doa yang sering beliau panjatkan adalah, “Ya Allah, jadikanlah seluruh amalanku amal yang saleh, jadikanlah seluruh amalanku hanya karena ikhlas mengharap wajahmu, dan jangan jadikan sedikitpun dari amalanku tersebut karena orang lain.”
Menyembunyikan Amal Kebaikan
Hal lain yang dapat mendorong seseorang agar lebih ikhlas adalah dengan menyembunyikan amal kebaikannya. Yakni dia menyembunyikan amal-amal kebaikan yang disyariatkan dan lebih utama untuk disembunyikan (seperti shalat sunnah, puasa sunnah, dan lain-lain). Amal kebaikan yang dilakukan tanpa diketahui orang lain lebih diharapkan amal tersebut ikhlas, karena tidak ada yang mendorongnya untuk melakukan hal tersebut kecuali hanya karena Allah semata. Rasulullah shallallahu alaihi wa sallam bersabda dalam sebuah hadits, “Tujuh golongan yang akan Allah naungi pada hari di mana tidak ada naungan selain dari naungan-Nya yaitu pemimpin yang adil, pemuda yang tumbuh di atas ketaatan kepada Allah, laki-laki yang hatinya senantiasa terikat dengan mesjid, dua orang yang mencintai karena Allah, bertemu dan berpisah karena-Nya, seorang lelaki yang diajak berzina oleh seorang wanita yang cantik dan memiliki kedudukan, namun ia berkata: sesungguhnya aku takut kepada Allah, seseorang yang bersedekah dan menyembunyikan sedekahnya tersebut hingga tangan kirinya tidak mengetahui apa yang diinfakkan oleh tangan kanannya dan seseorang yang mengingat Allah di waktu sendiri hingga meneteslah air matanya.” (HR Bukhari Muslim).
Apabila kita perhatikan hadits tersebut, kita dapatkan bahwa di antara sifat orang-orang yang akan Allah naungi kelak di hari kiamat adalah orang-orang yang melakukan kebaikan tanpa diketahui oleh orang lain. Dalam hadits lain, Rasulullah bersabda “Sesungguhnya sebaik-baik shalat yang dilakukan oleh seseorang adalah shalat yang dilakukan di rumahnya kecuali shalat wajib.” (HR. Bukhari Muslim)
Rasulullah menyatakan bahwa sebaik-baik shalat adalah shalat yang dilakukan di rumah kecuali shalat wajib, karena hal ini lebih melatih dan mendorong seseorang untuk ikhlas. Syaikh Muhammad bin Sholih Al Utsaimin rahimahullah dalam Syarah Riyadush Sholihin menyatakan, “di antara sebabnya adalah karena shalat (sunnah) yang dilakukan di rumah lebih jauh dari riya, karena sesungguhnya seseorang yang shalat (sunnah) di mesjid dilihat oleh manusia, dan terkadang di hatinya pun timbul riya, sedangkan orang yang shalat (sunnah) di rumahnya maka hal ini lebih dekat dengan keikhlasan.” Basyr bin Al Harits berkata, “Janganlah engkau beramal agar engkau disebut-sebut, sembunyikanlah kebaikanmu sebagaimana engkau menyembunyikan keburukanmu.”
Seseorang yang dia betul-betul jujur dalam keikhlasannya, ia mencintai untuk menyembunyikan kebaikannya sebagaimana ia menyembunyikan kejelekannya. Maka dari itu wahai saudaraku, marilah kita berusaha untuk membiasakan diri menyembunyikan kebaikan-kebaikan kita, karena ketahuilah, hal tersebut lebih dekat dengan keikhlasan.
Memandang Rendah Amal Kebaikan
Memandang rendah amal kebaikan yang kita lakukan dapat mendorong kita agar amal perbuatan kita tersebut lebih ikhlas. Di antara bencana yang dialami seorang hamba adalah ketika ia merasa ridha dengan amal kebaikan yang dilakukan, di mana hal ini dapat menyeretnya ke dalam perbuatan ujub (berbangga diri) yang menyebabkan rusaknya keikhlasan. Semakin ujub seseorang terhadap amal kebaikan yang ia lakukan, maka akan semakin kecil dan rusak keikhlasan dari amal tersebut, bahkan pahala amal kebaikan tersebut dapat hilang sia-sia. Sa’id bin Jubair berkata, “Ada orang yang masuk surga karena perbuatan maksiat dan ada orang yang masuk neraka karena amal kebaikannya”. Ditanyakan kepadanya “Bagaimana hal itu bisa terjadi?”. Beliau menjawab, “seseorang melakukan perbuatan maksiat, ia pun senantiasa takut terhadap adzab Allah akibat perbuatan maksiat tersebut, maka ia pun bertemu Allah dan Allah pun mengampuni dosanya karena rasa takutnya itu, sedangkan ada seseorang yang dia beramal kebaikan, ia pun senantiasa bangga terhadap amalnya tersebut, maka ia pun bertemu Allah dalam keadaan demikian, maka Allah pun memasukkannya ke dalam neraka.”
Takut Akan Tidak Diterimanya Amal
Allah berfirman:
وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْتُونَ مَا آتَوْا وَقُلُوبُهُمْ وَجِلَةٌ أَنَّهُمْ إِلَى رَبِّهِمْ رَاجِعُونَ
“Dan orang-orang yang memberikan apa yang telah mereka berikan, dengan hati yang takut, (karena mereka tahu bahwa) Sesungguhnya mereka akan kembali kepada Tuhan mereka.” (QS. Al Mu’minun: 60)
Pada ayat ini Allah menjelaskan bahwa di antara sifat-sifat orang mukmin adalah mereka yang memberikan suatu pemberian, namun mereka takut akan tidak diterimanya amal perbuatan mereka tersebut ( Tafsir Ibnu Katsir ).
Hal semakna juga telah dijelaskan oleh Rasulullah shallallahu alaihi wa sallam yang diriwayatkan dari Aisyah ketika beliau bertanya kepada Rasulullah tentang makna ayat di atas. Ummul Mukminin Aisyah berkata, “Wahai Rasulullah apakah yang dimaksud dengan ayat, “Dan orang-orang yang memberikan apa yang telah mereka berikan, dengan hati yang takut, (karena mereka tahu bahwa) Sesungguhnya mereka akan kembali kepada Tuhan mereka” adalah orang yang mencuri, berzina dan meminum khamr kemudian ia takut terhadap Allah?. Maka Rasulullah pun menjawab: Tidak wahai putri Abu Bakar Ash Shiddiq, yang dimaksud dengan ayat itu adalah mereka yang shalat, puasa, bersedekah namun mereka takut tidak diterima oleh Allah.” (HR. Tirmidzi dengan sanad shahih )
Ya saudaraku, di antara hal yang dapat membantu kita untuk ikhlas adalah ketika kita takut akan tidak diterimanya amal kebaikan kita oleh Allah. Karena sesungguhnya keikhlasan itu tidak hanya ada ketika kita sedang mengerjakan amal kebaikan, namun keikhlasan harus ada baik sebelum maupun sesudah kita melakukan amal kebaikan. Apalah artinya apabila kita ikhlas ketika beramal, namun setelah itu kita merasa hebat dan bangga karena kita telah melakukan amal tersebut. Bukankah pahala dari amal kebaikan kita tersebut akan hilang dan sia-sia? Bukankah dengan demikian amal kebaikan kita malah tidak akan diterima oleh Allah? Tidakkah kita takut akan munculnya perasaan bangga setelah kita beramal sholeh yang menyebabkan tidak diterimanya amal kita tersebut? Dan pada kenyataannya hal ini sering terjadi dalam diri kita. Sungguh amat sangat merugikan hal yang demikian itu.
Tidak Terpengaruh Oleh Perkataan Manusia
Pujian dan perkataan orang lain terhadap seseorang merupakan suatu hal yang pada umumnya disenangi oleh manusia. Bahkan Rasulullah pernah menyatakan ketika ditanya tentang seseorang yang beramal kebaikan kemudian ia dipuji oleh manusia karenanya, beliau menjawab, “Itu adalah kabar gembira yang disegerakan bagi seorang mukmin.” (HR. Muslim)
Begitu pula sebaliknya, celaan dari orang lain merupakan suatu hal yang pada umumnya tidak disukai manusia. Namun saudaraku, janganlah engkau jadikan pujian atau celaan orang lain sebagai sebab engkau beramal saleh, karena hal tersebut bukanlah termasuk perbuatan ikhlas. Seorang mukmin yang ikhlas adalah seorang yang tidak terpengaruh oleh pujian maupun celaan manusia ketika ia beramal saleh. Ketika ia mengetahui bahwa dirinya dipuji karena beramal sholeh, maka tidaklah pujian tersebut kecuali hanya akan membuat ia semakin tawadhu (rendah diri) kepada Allah. Ia pun menyadari bahwa pujian tersebut merupakan fitnah (ujian) baginya, sehingga ia pun berdoa kepada Allah untuk menyelamatkannya dari fitnah tersebut. Ketahuilah wahai saudaraku, tidak ada pujian yang dapat bermanfaat bagimu maupun celaan yang dapat membahayakanmu kecuali apabila kesemuanya itu berasal dari Allah. Manakah yang akan kita pilih wahai saudaraku, dipuji manusia namun Allah mencela kita ataukah dicela manusia namun Allah memuji kita ?
Menyadari Bahwa Manusia Bukanlah Pemilik Surga dan Neraka
Sesungguhnya apabila seorang hamba menyadari bahwa orang-orang yang dia jadikan sebagai tujuan amalnya itu (baik karena ingin pujian maupun kedudukan yang tinggi di antara mereka), akan sama-sama dihisab oleh Allah, sama-sama akan berdiri di padang mahsyar dalam keadaan takut dan telanjang, sama-sama akan menunggu keputusan untuk dimasukkan ke dalam surga atau neraka, maka ia pasti tidak akan meniatkan amal perbuatan itu untuk mereka. Karena tidak satu pun dari mereka yang dapat menolong dia untuk masuk surga ataupun menyelamatkan dia dari neraka. Bahkan saudaraku, seandainya seluruh manusia mulai dari Nabi Adam sampai manusia terakhir berdiri di belakangmu, maka mereka tidak akan mampu untuk mendorongmu masuk ke dalam surga meskipun hanya satu langkah. Maka saudaraku, mengapa kita bersusah-payah dan bercapek-capek melakukan amalan hanya untuk mereka?
Ibnu Rajab dalam kitabnya Jamiul Ulum wal Hikam berkata: “Barang siapa yang berpuasa, shalat, berzikir kepada Allah, dan dia maksudkan dengan amalan-amalan tersebut untuk mendapatkan dunia, maka tidak ada kebaikan dalam amalan-amalan tersebut sama sekali, amalan-amalan tersebut tidak bermanfaat baginya, bahkan hanya akan menyebabkan ia berdosa”. Yaitu amalan-amalannya tersebut tidak bermanfaat baginya, lebih-lebih bagi orang lain.
Ingin Dicintai, Namun Dibenci
Saudaraku, sesungguhnya seseorang yang melakukan amalan karena ingin dipuji oleh manusia tidak akan mendapatkan pujian tersebut dari mereka. Bahkan sebaliknya, manusia akan mencelanya, mereka akan membencinya, Rasulullah shallallahu alaihi wa sallam bersabda, “Barang siapa yang memperlihat-lihatkan amalannya maka Allah akan menampakkan amalan-amalannya “ (HR. Muslim)
Akan tetapi, apabila seseorang melakukan amalan ikhlas karena Allah, maka Allah dan para makhluk-Nya akan mencintainya sebagaimana firman Allah ta’ala:
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ سَيَجْعَلُ لَهُمُ الرَّحْمَنُ وُدًّا
“Sesungguhnya orang-orang yang beriman dan beramal saleh, kelak Allah yang Maha Pemurah akan menanamkan dalam (hati) mereka rasa kasih sayang.” (QS. Maryam: 96)
Pada ayat ini Allah menjelaskan bahwa Dia akan menanamkan dalam hati-hati hamba-hamba-Nya yang saleh kecintaan terhadap orang-orang yang melakukan amal-amal saleh (yaitu amalan-amalan yang dilakukan ikhlas karena Allah dan sesuai dengan tuntunan Nabi-Nya ). (Tafsir Ibnu Katsir).
Dalam sebuah hadits dinyatakan “Sesungguhnya apabila Allah mencintai seorang hamba, maka Dia menyeru Jibril dan berkata: wahai Jibril, sesungguhnya Aku mencintai fulan, maka cintailah ia. Maka Jibril pun mencintainya. Kemudian Jibril menyeru kepada penduduk langit: sesungguhnya Allah mencintai fulan, maka cintailah ia. Maka penduduk langit pun mencintainya. Kemudian ditanamkanlah kecintaan padanya di bumi. Dan sesungguhnya apabila Allah membenci seorang hamba, maka Dia menyeru Jibril dan berkata : wahai Jibril, sesungguhnya Aku membenci fulan, maka bencilah ia. Maka Jibril pun membencinya. Kemudian Jibril menyeru kepada penduduk langit: sesungguhnya Allah membenci fulan, maka benciilah ia. Maka penduduk langit pun membencnya. Kemudian ditanamkanlah kebencian padanya di bumi.” (HR. Bukhari Muslim)
Hasan Al Bashri berkata: “Ada seorang laki-laki yang berkata : ‘Demi Allah aku akan beribadah agar aku disebut-sebut karenanya’. Maka tidaklah ia dilihat kecuali ia sedang shalat, dia adalah orang yang paling pertama masuk mesjid dan yang paling terakhir keluar darinya. Ia pun melakukan hal tersebut sampai tujuh bulan lamanya. Namun, tidaklah ia melewati sekelompok orang kecuali mereka berkata: ‘lihatlah orang yang riya ini’. Dia pun menyadari hal ini dan berkata: tidaklah aku disebut-sebut kecuali hanya dengan kejelekan, ’sungguh aku akan melakukan amalan hanya karena Allah’. Dia pun tidak menambah amalan kecuali amalan yang dulu ia kerjakan. Setelah itu, apabila ia melewati sekelompok orang mereka berkata: ’semoga Allah merahmatinya sekarang’. Kemudian Hasan al bashri pun membaca ayat: “Sesungguhnya orang-orang yang beriman dan beramal saleh, kelak Allah yang Maha Pemurah akan menanamkan dalam (hati) mereka rasa kasih sayang.” (Tafsir Ibnu Katsir)
Demikianlah pembahasan kali ini, semoga bermanfaat bagi diri penulis dan kaum muslimin pada umumnya. Semoga Allah menjadikan kita termasuk orang-orang yang ikhlas.
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِيْ بِنِعْمَتِهِ تَتِمُّ الصَّالِحَاتُ
(Segala puji bagi Allah yang dengan nikmatnya sehingga sempurnalah segala amal kebaikan)
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Disusun oleh: Abu ‘Uzair Boris Tanesia
Muroja’ah: Ustadz Ahmad Daniel Lc.
Copy Paste dari Artikel www.muslim.or.id
