Question: Some contemporary Islamic thinkers believe the fire of hell is not real. They see it as a means of purification for sinful worshippers to qualify them for heaven. They argue there is no permanent stay in hell, and this is a manifestation of Allah’s mercy.
Answer: Anyone can think in his own way, but what proof does he have? Allah, The Most Exalted, describes a fire like boiling water: "Like the boiling of scalding water." Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:46). He also describes a raging fire that roasts the disbelievers: "Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses - We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted through, We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment." Surah An-Nisa (4:56)
These verses indicate the fire of hell is real and material. There is no evidence that Allah intends the meaning to be figurative. We take the apparent meaning of the words unless there is evidence of equal strength that it is meant to be symbolic.
This view is similar to those who say there is no heaven and hell. They claim paradise is a psychological state of happiness, and hell is a state of pain and suffering.
This is an idea, but what is the proof of its validity? When we claim an idea is Islamic, we must provide proof. We also need proof when we interpret Quranic verses. Any interpretation must conform to the rules of the Arabic language and grammar. Otherwise, everyone would interpret according to his subjective mood.
Question: Some contemporary Islamic thinkers believe the fire of hell is not real. They see it as a means of purification for sinful worshippers to qualify them for heaven. They argue there is no permanent stay in hell, and this is a manifestation of Allah’s mercy.
Answer: Anyone can think in his own way, but what proof does he have? Allah, The Most Exalted, describes a fire like boiling water: "Like the boiling of scalding water." Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:46). He also describes a raging fire that roasts the disbelievers: "Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses - We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted through, We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment." Surah An-Nisa (4:56)
These verses indicate the fire of hell is real and material. There is no evidence that Allah intends the meaning to be figurative. We take the apparent meaning of the words unless there is evidence of equal strength that it is meant to be symbolic.
This view is similar to those who say there is no heaven and hell. They claim paradise is a psychological state of happiness, and hell is a state of pain and suffering.
This is an idea, but what is the proof of its validity? When we claim an idea is Islamic, we must provide proof. We also need proof when we interpret Quranic verses. Any interpretation must conform to the rules of the Arabic language and grammar. Otherwise, everyone would interpret according to his subjective mood.