Hell is not a concept to be brushed aside or spoken of lightly. In Islam, the reality of Jahannam, or Hellfire, is one of the core elements of our belief in the unseen – the ghayb. It is part of our belief in the Last Day, one of the six pillars of faith – also known as arkan al-imran, and it is an essential concept repeated frequently in The Quran. Understanding Hell is not about spreading fear for the sake of fear, it is about developing God-consciousness, instilling moral responsibility, and awakening the heart to the consequences of sin, disbelief, and hypocrisy. Allah (SWT), in His infinite Wisdom, has revealed descriptions of both Jannah and Jahannam so that human beings may reflect, choose the path of righteousness, and realize that this life is not the end.
In a time where many are distracted by the material world and desensitized to sin, the subject of Hell is especially relevant. Young Muslims around the world often struggle with weak connection to the akhirah, and communities can fall into spiritual stagnation when reminders of accountability are absent. For this reason, scholars from the earliest generations always emphasized not only the mercy of Allah (SWT), but also His justice. The Quran itself balances the two, with verses about Paradise often followed by verses about Hell to create a complete picture that leads to hope and fear, raja’ wa khawf, in Allah (SWT).
This article will aim to explore the concept of the seven layers of Hell in Islam, as described in The Quran and hadith. Each layer represents a deeper level of punishment, designated according to the severity of disbelief, hypocrisy, and sin. Drawing from classical sources of tafsir, hadith, literature, and spiritual reflections, this piece seeks to educate and awaken the Muslim reader with sincerity and clarity.
The reality of Hell in The Quran and Sunnah
Before examining the layers, we must affirm a crucial Islamic truth, and that is that Jahannam is real. Is it not symbolic of anything nor is it some mere psychological concept. It is a created place that exists, and will remain as an eternal abode of punishment for those whom Allah (SWT) has destined for it. It is one of the first creations of Allah (SWT) concerning the Hereafter.
In a lengthy and descriptive hadith, the Prophet (SAW) has said, “When Allah created Paradise and Hell, He sent Jibraeel (AS) to Paradise, saying, ‘Look at it and what I have prepared in it for its inhabitants.’ So he went and looked at it, then came back and said, ‘By Your Glory, no one hears of it but will enter it.’ So He surrounded it with hardships and said, ‘Go back and look at it and what I have prepared in it.’ So he went and looked at it, then said, ‘By Your Glory, I fear that no one will enter it.’ Then He said, ‘Go to Hell and look at it and what I have prepared in it.’ So he found it in layers, one above the other. Then He surrounded it with desires and said, ‘Go back and look at it.’ So he said, ‘By Your Glory, I fear that no one will be saved from it.’” (Tirmidhi)
This powerful hadith illustrates the reality, danger, and layers of Hell. The Quran refers to Hell more than 130 times, using different names that describe its qualities and severity such as Jahannam, Sa’ir, Saqar, Laza, Jaheem, Hutamah, and Hawiyah – all of which we will explore below.
Layer #1: Jahannam as the temporary residence for sinful believers
The word Jahannam itself is used in The Quran as a general term for Hell. However, some scholars say it also refers to the uppermost and least severe level. This is where some disobedient Muslims, those who believed but committed major sins without repentance, may be sent. So, who will enter this level? Muslims who were neglectful in fulfilling their religious obligations such as the following:
- Those who prayed occasionally or delayed salah without valid reasons.
- Those who engaged in riba (interest), fornication, drinking alcohol, or other major sins while ignoring opportunities to seek forgiveness.
- Muslims who were arrogant, abusive, or unjust, yet claimed to follow Islam.
However, this punishment, according to authentic ahadith, is not eternal. Anyone who dies with even a small seed of faith will eventually leave Hell and enter Jannah.
The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever says, ‘La ilaaha ilallah’ and has in his heart goodness equal to a barley grain will be taken out of the Fire.” (Sahih Muslim) However, the suffering experienced in Jahannam, even temporarily, is beyond our imagination. It is still a fire fueled by people and stones (The Clear Quran®, 2:24), and not something a believer should take lightly.
The lesson here is don’t rely solely on “being Muslim”; our actions matter, and sincere repentance is essential.
Layer #2: Laza is the place for those who rejected Tawheed after knowing the truth
Laza is described in The Quran as a blazing fire that strips away the outer layers of a person.
In The Quran, Allah (SWT) says, “But no! There will certainly be a raging Flame ripping off scalps. It will summon whoever turned their backs on Allah and turned away from the truth, and gathered and hoarded wealth.” (The Clear Quran®, 70:15-18)
Who will enter this level? This level is for those who:
- Knowingly rejected the message of Islam, especially after recognizing its truth.
- Turned their backs on Tawheed (belief in the Oneness of Allah (SWT)).
- Committed shirk (associating partners with Allah (SWT)) in worship.
These are people who may have been exposed to Islam, through reading, witnessing, or personal experience, but still chose arrogance over submission. This level includes atheists, polytheists, and those who chose to live in active rejection of divine truth. The key lesson here is that rejection of Tawheed doesn’t entirely come from ignorance, it can come from arrogance, self-importance, or love for the worldly life. Laza awaits those who knew and still made the conscious choice to turn away.
Layer #3: Saqar is the place for those who abandoned prayer and neglected the poor
The level of Saqar is introduced in one of the most terrifying dialogues in The Quran. Allah (SWT) says, “‘What has landed you in Hell?’ They will reply, ‘We were not of those who prayed, nor did we feed the poor. We used to indulge in falsehood along with others, and deny the Day of Judgment, until the inevitable came to us.’” (The Clear Quran®, 71:42-47)
Who enters this level? This level is for those who:
- Abandoned prayer entirely, especially out of laziness or mockery.
- Refused to care for the poor and vulnerable.
- Were immersed in idle entertainment, mocking, or denial of accountability.
Many Muslims assume that salah is optional if they’re struggling on their spiritual journey, or that missing it occasionally is not serious. But here we see the abandonment of prayer mentioned as a cause for entering one of the deeper levels of Hell. The majority of scholars, including Imam Ahmad and Imam Malik, held that intentionally abandoning prayer makes a person kafir, or at least puts one at grave risk. Saqar is not for the forgetful, it is for those who intentionally and persistently neglected their duty to Allah (SWT).
Prayer is not a ritual of the deen, it is a covenant between the servant and his Lord. It is a marker of faith. Those who let go of salah may fall into the path of Saqar if they die unrepentant.
Layer #4: Al-Hutamah is the place for the proud, arrogant and slanderous
Hutamah means “the Crusher.” It is described as a fire that destroys everything in its path, especially the hearts of arrogant people. Allah (SWT) says in The Quran, “And what will make you realize what the Crusher is? It is Allah’s kindled Fire, which rages over the hearts.” (The Clear Quran®, 104:5-7)
Who enters this level? This is a level for people who:
- Were obsessed with wealth, yet failed to give Zakat or support others.
- Made a habit of mocking, slandering, and humiliating others.
- Let their hearts become hard with arrogance and greed.
It’s particularly relevant in today’s world where social media fuels mockery, envy, and character assassination. Allah (SWT) warns us that speech that destroys others can lead to destruction in the Hereafter. Hellfire doesn’t just burn the skin, it burns the heart when it is filled with pride, hatred, and cruelty. Purifying our inner state is as important as outward worship.
Layer #5: Jaheem is the place for the disobedient and idol-worshippers
Jaheem is frequently mentioned in The Quran and refers to a roaring inferno. It’s described as a deep fire, visible from far distances, and it is often associated with those who worshipped false gods, and transgressed limits.
Allah (SWT) says in The Quran, “[…] then as for those who transgressed and preferred the fleeting life of this world, the Hellfire will certainly be their home.” (The Clear Quran®, 79:37-39)
Who enters this level?
- Those who worshipped idols, or gave divine attributes to creation.
- Those who abused power, spread corruption, or mocked divine guidance.
- People who were immersed in dunya, chasing fame, status, and desire.
Jaheem serves as a reminder that chasing this world while ignoring Allah (SWT) can lead to disaster. It’s not just about idol worship with statues, it’s about putting anything in your heart above Allah (SWT), whether it be fame, money, or ego.
Layer #6: Sa’ir is the place for the corrupters, tyrants, and criminal leaders
The word Sa’ir refers to a blazing and erupting fire. The Quran often associates this level with those who spread corruption, reject the truth after clear signs, or lead others astray.
Allah (SWT) says in The Quran, “In fact, they deny the Hour. And for the deniers of the Hour, We have prepared a blazing Fire.” (The Clear Quran®, 25:11)
In the verses following this ayah, Allah (SWT) even goes as far as saying that the inhabitants of this realm of Hell will hear the fire fuming and growling from a distance, they will cry out when they are thrown in narrow spaces whilst they’re bounded in chains, and they will be told to cry repeatedly because surely this is a consequence of their own actions.
So, who will enter this level?
Tyrants, dictators, and corrupt rulers who abused their authority.
People who spread misguidance in society through media, influence, or policy.
Religious hypocrites who used Islam for worldly gain.
This level is particularly relevant to those who held opposition to power and used it to destroy others spiritually, physically, or mentally. It is also a warning to people who use platforms to promote immorality or confusion in religion. Those with influence have a heavy responsibility. Misguiding others is not a light sin, it can result in eternal punishment if left unrepented.
Layer #7: Al-Hawiyah is the deepest pit for the hypocrites and the enemies of Allah (SWT)
Al-Hawiyah is the deepest, darkest, and most terrifying level of Hell. The name itself implies falling endlessly into a pit. It is where the worst of creation will reside. Allah (SWT) says in The Quran, “[…] their home will be the abyss. And what will make you realize what that is? It is a scorching Fire.” (The Clear Quran®, 101:9-11)
Further, Allah (SWT) says in another chapter, “Surely the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire—and you will never find for them any helper—,” (The Clear Quran®, 4:145)
Who enters this level?
- The Munafiqoon, those who pretended to be Muslims but harbored hatred for Islam.
- People who sabotaged the Muslim community from within.
- The worst tyrants in history like Fir’awn, Abu Jahl, and Abdullah ibn Ubayy.
Hypocrisy is not just about mistakes. It’s about intention where you pretend to be Muslim while secretly undermining Islam. This is a terrifying reality, especially for people who manipulate religion or mislead others under the banner of Islam.
How can we prevent receiving such an eternal punishment?
Each level of Hell teaches us something about the danger of rejecting Allah (SWT), neglecting duties, or abusing others. These descriptions are not just metaphors, they are real consequences awaiting those who fail to repent. However, the doors of repentance are always open. As long as you’re alive, you can return to Allah (SWT). His mercy outweighs His wrath.
Let the knowledge of Jahannam awaken your heart not to despair, but to the desire to strive for better.
Dua
O’ Allah (SWT)!
We seek refuge in You from the instigations of the accursed Satan, and his plots and traps, and from trusting in his false hopes, promises, deceptions, and snares, or that he should desire to mislead us away from obeying You, and disgrace us with disobedience to You, or make seem good to us what he beautified for us, or make burdensome to us what he has made hateful to us.
Protect us from him [Satan] with Your good care, and suffice us from his harm, turn his back to us, and cut off his tracks from us.
Do not allow him an entry into our hearts, nor let him establish any dwelling with us.
Whatever falsehood he suggests to us, make us know it, and once You make us know it, protect us from it, and show us how to resist him with it.
O’ Allah (SWT), grant us Paradise, for we seek Your protection from all levels of Hell!
Ameen!
