The seven levels of Jahannam

The seven levels of Jahannam: The Names and Gates of Jahannam in the Qur’an and Islamic Sources

Jahannam is a firmly established reality in the Qur’an and Sunnah, mentioned repeatedly as a warning and a manifestation of Allah’s perfect justice. The Qur’an speaks of Jahannam using multiple names, describes it as having seven gates, and affirms that its punishment varies in severity. Knowledge of these matters is drawn from revelation and the explanations of classical scholars.

The Names of Jahannam Mentioned in the Qur’an

Islamic sources mention that Jahannam has several names, each appearing in the Qur’an and indicating an aspect of its punishment.

1. Al-Jaḥīm (الجحيم)

Allah تعالى says:

“And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs – those are the companions of Al-Jaḥīm.”
(Surah al-Mā’idah 5:10)

2. As-Sa‘īr (السعير)

Allah تعالى says:

“And they will say, ‘If only we had listened or reasoned, we would not have been among the companions of the Sa‘īr.’ So they will admit their sin; so away with the companions of the Sa‘īr.”
(Surah al-Mulk 67:10–11)

3. Al-Hāwiyah (الهاوية)

Allah تعالى says:

“As for one whose scales are light, his refuge will be Al-Hāwiyah. And what will make you know what it is? A blazing Fire.”
(Surah al-Qāri‘ah 101:8–11)

4. Saqar (سقر)

Allah تعالى says:

“The Day they are dragged into the Fire on their faces, [it will be said], ‘Taste the touch of Saqar.’”
(Surah al-Qamar 54:48)

5. Al-Ḥuṭamah (الحطمة)

Allah تعالى says:

“No! He will surely be thrown into Al-Ḥuṭamah. And what will make you know what Al-Ḥuṭamah is? The fire of Allah, kindled.”
(Surah al-Humazah 104:4–6)

6. Laẓā (لظى)

Allah تعالى says:

“No! Indeed, it is Laẓā, stripping away the skin.”
(Surah al-Ma‘ārij 70:15–16)

7. Dār al-Bawār (دار البوار)

Allah تعالى says:

“Have you not seen those who exchanged the favor of Allah for disbelief and settled their people in the Abode of Destruction (Dār al-Bawār)?”
(Surah Ibrāhīm 14:28)

The Gates of Jahannam

The Qur’an clearly states that Jahannam has seven gates, and that people will enter through them according to what Allah has decreed.

Allah تعالى says:

“It has seven gates; for each gate among them is an assigned portion.”
(Surah al-Ḥijr 15:44)

Classical scholars differed regarding the relationship between the names of Jahannam and its gates:

• Some scholars stated that the names of Jahannam themselves represent its gates, so each name corresponds to a gate.
• Others held that the gates are assigned according to categories of people, while the names describe different states or punishments of the Fire.

Both views are reported in classical tafsir works, such as al-Durr al-Manthūr by al-Suyūṭī and Jāmi‘ al-Bayān by al-Ṭabarī.

Scholarly Interpretations of the Seven Gates

In the explanation of the verse “It has seven gates; for each gate among them is an assigned portion”, scholars have mentioned several interpretations, including:

• That Jahannam consists of layers, some above others.
• That each gate or layer is assigned to those who followed Iblīs in disbelief and rebellion.
• That the Fire has seven gates, each entered according to deeds.

These explanations are reported in classical tafsir literature and represent scholarly understanding, not explicit Qur’anic detail.

The Levels (Darajāt) of Jahannam

Just as Paradise has degrees (darajāt) that rise upward, Jahannam has levels (darakāt) that descend downward. Each lower level is more severe in punishment than the one above it.

Allah تعالى says:

“Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest level of the Fire, and you will never find for them a helper.”
(Surah an-Nisā’ 4:145)

The Prophet ﷺ said, concerning Abu Ṭālib:

“He is in a shallow part of the Fire, and were it not for me, he would have been in the lowest level of the Fire.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, ḥadīth no. 6208)

Some scholars, such as Shaykh ‘Umar al-Ashqar, mention that dividing the levels of Jahannam into seven categories is an ijtihād-based classification, intended for explanation and teaching, not definitive specification.

Conclusion

The Qur’an affirms that Jahannam has multiple names, seven gates, and varying levels of punishment. While the exact details of its structure belong to the unseen, Allah has revealed enough to warn hearts, awaken consciences, and guide people toward repentance and obedience.

A believer approaches these descriptions with faith, humility, and restraint, affirming what Allah and His Messenger ﷺ have stated, while avoiding certainty in matters where revelation has remained silent.

References

• محمد التويجري، موسوعة الفقه الإسلامي، ص 366–367
• سورة المائدة، آية 10
• سورة الملك، آية 10–11
• سورة القارعة، آية 8–11
• سورة القمر، آية 48
• سورة الهمزة، آية 4–6
• سورة المعارج، آية 15–16
• سورة إبراهيم، آية 28
• سورة الحجر، آية 44
• السيوطي، الدر المنثور في التفسير بالمأثور، ص 82
• الطبري، جامع البيان في تأويل القرآن، ص 105–107
• رواه المنذري، الترغيب والترهيب، عن عتبة بن عبد السلمي، إسناده جيد
• عمر الأشقر، الجنة والنار، ص 25–26
• سورة النساء، آية 145
• صحيح البخاري، حديث العباس بن عبد المطلب، رقم 6208

May Allah ﷻ protect us, our families, and our children from Jahannam, soften our hearts before it is too late, and grant us sincere repentance.
اللهم أجرنا من النار، اللهم آمين يا رب العالمين

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