By Imam An-Nawawi

The Death of the People of Hell

Question:

Will anyone die in Hell?

Is there any authentic hadith to that effect or not?

If it is true, then what is the nature of this death, and to whom will it happen?

Answer:

It was reported in Sahih Muslim that Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said,

“As for the people of Hell, they are its inhabitants, and they neither live therein nor die. But there are people who will enter Hell because of their sins – or mistakes – so Allah will cause them to die once, then when they become like coal, He will give permission for intercession (for them).

They will be brought group by group to the rivers of Paradise.

Then it will be said, ‘O people of Paradise! Pour water on them.’

Then they will grow like seeds (i.e., the seeds of herbs and aromatic plants, or it was said, small plants that grow in between grasses, or it may mean wheat).’”

The scholars said what is meant by the people of Hell are its unbelieving inhabitants, who will never come out of it and never die at all.

Allah says (what means):

“As for those who disbelieve, for them is the fire of Hell; it does not destroy them so that they die, nor is its torment lightened for them. Thus We punish every disbeliever” [Fatir 35:36]

As for the sinners among those who believe in the Oneness of Allah, those who have committed major sins (kaba’ir), they will be punished in accordance with the degree of their sins for a period decreed by Allah, then they will die a lesser death such that they no longer feel anything, for a period decreed by Allah.

Then they will be brought out dead, turned into coals and carried like luggage, and they will be thrown into the rivers of Paradise and the water of life will be poured over them. Then they will grow, like wheat at first, but quickly, like herbs. Then they will get stronger and be fully formed and will be taken to their homes in Paradise.

And Allah knows best.

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Adapted with editorial adjustments from Fatawa al-Imam an-Nawawi.