In Islamic theology, the concept of the afterlife (Akhirah) is built upon the perfect balance of hope and fear. While the beauty of Paradise(Jannat) is a central theme, the Quran and Sunnah also provide a serious warning regarding Dozakh i.e. also known as Jahannam or Hell. This place of punishment is not just a destination for the hereafter; it serves as a profound moral boundary, reminding humanity of the consequences of injustice, arrogance, and the rejection of truth.
Dozakh is described in divine revelation as a powerful and terrifying reality, yet its mention is always accompanied by the path to salvation. By exploring the seven levels of Hell, the nature of its fire, and the specific actions that lead to it, we gain a deeper appreciation for the infinite mercy of Allah, who provides us with every opportunity to seek repentance and protection.
In this guide, we provide an extremely detailed look into the descriptions found in the Quran and Hadith. From the intensity of the heat to the tree of Zaqqum, and most importantly, the ways to seek protection from the Fire, this article serves as a comprehensive resource for students of knowledge and seekers of truth alike.
What is Dozakh?
Dozakh(Jahannam) is the final destination for those who rejected the truth and committed oppression without seeking repentance. It is described as a living, breathing entity that “roars” with anger at the disobedience shown to the Creator.
The Quranic Warning on Dozakht
Allah describes the intensity of the fire of Dozakh:
Arabic: فَاتَّقُوا النَّارَ الَّتِي وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْكَافِرِينَ
Transliteration: Fattaqun-nara allati waquduhan-nasu wal-hijaratu uiddat lil-kafirin.
English Translation: “So fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.” – (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:24)
This verse serves as a sobering reminder that the fire of Dozakh is unlike any flame known to man, fueled by the very things that are hardest in this world i.e. stone and unrepentant hearts. It emphasizes that the consequences of our actions are real, urging us to seek the shade of Allah’s mercy through sincere belief and righteous conduct before our time in this world concludes.
The Names and Gates of Hell
Dozakh has seven gates, each representing a different level of punishment based on the gravity of the sins committed.
- Jahannam: The general name for Hell.
- Laza: The Blazing Fire.
- Al-Hutamah: The Crusher.
- Sa-ir: The Burning Fire.
- Saqar: The Scorching Fire.
- Al-Jahim: The Fierce Fire.
- Hawiyah: The Abyss.
“Indeed, Hell is the promised place for them all. It has seven gates; for every gate is of them a portion designated.” – (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:43-44)
The Intensity of the Fire
The heat of Dozakh is beyond human comprehension. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained the difference between earthly fire and the fire of the afterlife.
Arabic: نَارُكُمْ هَذِهِ الَّتِي يُوقِدُ ابْنُ آدَمَ جُزْءٌ مِنْ سَبْعِينَ جُزْءًا مِنْ حَرِّ جَهَنَّمَ
Transliteration: Narukum hadhihi allati yuqidu ibnu Adama juz-un min sab-ina juz-an min harri Jahannam.
English Translation: “Your ordinary fire is one of seventy parts of the fire of Hell.” – (Sahih Bukhari)
Food and Drink in Dozakh
Just as Jannat has delights, Dozakh has provisions that offer no relief, only further distress for the inhabitants.
The Tree of Zaqqum
This is a tree that grows from the bottom of Hell. Its fruit is described as looking like the heads of devils.
Arabic: إِنَّ شَجَرَتَ الزَّقُّومِ طَعَامُ الأَثِيمِ
Transliteration: Inna shajarata az-zaqqumi ta-amul athim.
English Translation: “Indeed, the tree of Zaqqum is food for the sinful.” – (Surah Ad-Dukhan, 44:43-44)
The Drinks of Hell
The inhabitants of Dozakh will be given Hamim (boiling water) and Ghislin (discharge from wounds).
The Seven Levels of Dozakh (Jahannam)
Islamic scholars, based on verses in the Quran, have categorized the various depths of Hell. Each level increases in intensity and is reserved for specific types of transgressions.
1. Jahannam (The First Level)
This is the uppermost level. It is often described as the place for those believers who committed major sins without repenting. Unlike the deeper levels, this level is not necessarily eternal for those with an atom’s weight of faith in their hearts.
- Key Feature: A place of temporary purification for the sinful among the Ummah.
2. Laza (The Blazing Fire)
Mentioned in Surah Al-Ma’arij, this level is known for its intense heat that peels away the skin of the head.
- Target: Those who turned their backs on the truth and hoarded wealth without giving to the poor.
- Reference: “By no means! Indeed, it is a flame of burning fire (Laza).” – (Surah Al-Ma’arij, 70:15)
3. Al-Hutamah (The Crusher)
This fire does not just burn the skin; it penetrates deep into the chest to reach the heart.
- Target: The backbiters, the slanderers, and those who thought their wealth would make them immortal.
- Reference: “And what can make you know what is the Crusher (Al-Hutamah)? It is the fire of Allah, [eternally] fueled.” – (Surah Al-Humazah, 104:5-6)
4. Sa-ir (The Scorching Blaze)
This level is a constantly stoking fire that never dims. It is often associated with those who consume the property of orphans unjustly.
- Reference: “Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire, and they will be burned in a Blaze (Sa-ir).” – (Surah An-Nisa, 4:10)
5. Saqar (The Burning Heat)
Saqar is a place of absolute desolation. It leaves nothing and spares nothing.
- Target: Those who did not pray (Salah) and did not feed the poor.
- Reference: “What led you into Saqar? They will say, ‘We were not of those who prayed…'” – (Surah Al-Muddathir, 74:42-43)
6. Al-Jahim (The Fierce Fire)
A massive pit of fire reserved for the polytheists and those who openly broke their covenants with Allah.
- Target: The arrogant who rejected the signs of their Lord.
7. Hawiyah (The Abyss)
The deepest, darkest, and most terrifying level of Dozakh. It is described as a bottomless pit or a mother that “embraces” the sinner in fire.
- Target: The hypocrites (Munafiqin), who pretended to be believers but worked against Islam from within.
- Reference: “And as for him whose scales are light, his mother will be Hawiyah.” – (Surah Al-Qari’ah, 101:8-9)
Summary Table: Quick Facts
| Feature | Description |
| Total Gates | 7 |
| Chief Guardian | Angel Malik |
| Worst Food | Zaqqum |
| Worst Drink | Hamim (Boiling water) |
| Path to Safety | Faith, Charity, and Repentance |
Deeds That Lead to Dozakh (Jahannam)
In Islamic teachings, Dozakh is a consequence of persistent disobedience, injustice, and a lack of repentance. The Quran and Hadith categorize certain actions as major sins that carry the threat of the Fire.
- Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah): This is the most serious sin. To believe that others share in Allah’s divinity or power is a direct path to eternal punishment if one dies without repenting.
- Neglecting the Salah (Prayer): The daily prayers are the boundary between faith and disbelief. The Quran mentions the inhabitants of Hell being asked what led them there, and their first response is, “We were not of those who prayed.” – (Surah Al-Muddathir, 74:43).
- Injustice and Oppression (Zulm): Taking the rights of others, whether through physical harm, financial theft, or emotional abuse, is a heavy burden on the Day of Judgment.
- Arrogance (Kibr): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter Paradise.” – (Sahih Muslim).
- Consuming the Property of Orphans: This is highlighted in the Quran as “consuming fire into their bellies.”
How to Save Yourself from Dozakh
While the warnings of Hell are stern, the path to salvation is always open and accessible through the mercy of Allah. Here are the primary ways to shield yourself from the Fire:
1. Sincere Repentance (Tawbah)
No matter the scale of the sin, turning back to Allah with a sincere heart can wipe the slate clean.
Arabic: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوحًا
Transliteration: Ya ayyuhalladhina amanu tubu ilallahi tawbatan nasuha.
English Translation: “O you who have believed, turn to Allah with sincere repentance.” – (Surah At-Tahrim, 66:8).
2. Seeking Refuge in Allah
The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to ask for protection specifically.
Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ
Transliteration: Allahumma ajirni minan-nar.
English Translation: “O Allah, protect me from the Fire.” – (Reported by Ahmad and Abu Dawud).
It is recommended to say this seven times after Fajr and Maghrib.
3. Fasting and Charity
Fasting acts as a spiritual shield, while charity (Sadaqah) extinguishes sins.
Arabic: اتَّقُوا النَّارَ وَلَوْ بِشِقِّ تَمْرَةٍ
Transliteration: Ittaqun-nara walaw bishiqqi tamrah.
English Translation: “Protect yourselves from the Fire, even if with half a date.” – (Sahih Bukhari).
4. Good Character and Kindness
Being easy-going, kind, and gentle with people is a barrier against the Fire. The Prophet said that the Fire is forbidden for every person who is “easy, soft, and close to people.”
Summary Checklist for Salvation
| Habit | Spiritual Benefit |
| Daily Salah | Keeps the heart connected to Allah |
| Daily Istighfar | Erases minor and major sins |
| Sadaqah | Acts as a cooling shade on Judgment Day |
| Control of Tongue | Saves one from the punishments of Al-Hutamah |
Conclusion:
Dozakh serves as a boundary and a reminder of the justice of Allah. However, Allah’s mercy precedes His anger. By acknowledging the reality of Hell, we are encouraged to live lives of purpose, compassion, and sincerity.
The goal of learning about Dozakh is to turn back to Allah. As the Quran states, “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones.” – (Surah At-Tahrim, 66:6).
FAQs
What is the difference between Jahannam and Dozakh?
Jahannam is the Arabic term used in the Quran, while Dozakh is the Persian/Urdu term. Both refer to the same concept of Hell in Islam.
Who is the guardian of Dozakh?
The chief angel in charge of Hell is named Malik. He is described as stern and never smiling.
Can a Muslim enter Dozakh?
According to Islamic belief, a believer may enter Hell temporarily to be purified of sins if their bad deeds outweigh their good deeds, but they will eventually be removed and admitted to Paradise by Allah’s mercy.
