7 Levels/Gates of Hell (Jahannam)

There are 7 levels/gates/names of hell and the Holy Quran explains each level of Jahannam in detail so that we are warned.

• 8 gates to Jannah

What is Jahannam?

As per Islam, Jahannam means the place of punishment for unbelievers and other evildoers in the afterlife.

Indeed, Hell (Jahannam) is their destined place, all together. It has seven gates, designated for each group of them. – Al-Hijr 15:43-44

Jahannam – جهنم

Jahannam is the first and the lightest level of Hell. In Jahannam, the fire will burn the faces and eat the flesh of the men and women who enter through this gate. 

“Surely those who reject Our signs, We will cast them into the Fire. Whenever their skin is burnt completely, We will replace it so they will ˹constantly˺ taste the punishment. Indeed, Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.” – An-Nisa 4:56

Ladha – لَظَىٰ

Ladha is the second gate to Hell The fire will eat and finish the body parts one by one, both internally and externally. People who did not believe in Allah (Tawheed) and rejected the Prophets عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ will enter through this gate.

• “No! Indeed, it is the Flame of Hell (Ladha)” – Al-Ma’arij 70:15

Saqar – سَقَرَ 

Saqar is another name for Hell and the third level of Jahannam. People who enter through this gate will be punished such that the fire will eat up their flesh but not bones.

“Soon I will burn him in Saqar! And what will make you realize what Saqaris? It does not let anyone live or die, scorching the skin. It is overseen by nineteen angels”. – Al-Muddaththir 74:26-30

The following acts would take people to Saqar;

1. They did not pray Salah (i.e. prayer).
2. They did not give food to the poor.
3. They used to talk vainly with those who talked in vain.
4. They used to deny and reject the Day of Reward.
5. Al-Muddaththir 74:41-47

Hutama – ٱلْحُطَمَةِ 

Hutama means the Crusher it is the fourth level of Jahannam. People who enter through this gate of hell, the fire will break the bones of these humans and blaze the heart and other organs inside the body. The fire will start eating from the feet and blaze until it reaches the heart.

Not at all! Such a person will certainly be tossed into the Hutama. And what will make you realize what the Hutama is? It is˺ Allah’s kindled Fire that rages over the hearts. It will be sealed over them, they will be tied to long pillars. – Al-Humazah 104:4-9

Jaheem – ٱلْجَحِيمَ

Jaheem is the fifth level of Hell and another name for Jahannam. At this level, there are big pieces of hot coal. People who will be thrown through this gate are the ones who;

1. Did not have the correct belief in Allah.
2. Declined to give the creations their rights.
3. Did not give food to the poor.

“˹It will be said,˺ “Seize and shackle them then burn them in Jaheem, then tie them up with chains seventy arms long. For they never had faith in Allah ﷻ, nor encouraged the feeding of the poor.” – Al-Haqqah 69:30-34

Saeer – ٱلسَّعِيرِ 

Saeer means Blaze in Arabic which is the sixth gate of hell. The fire in this level of Jahannam is continuously burning and has never stopped from the day it was formed. There are 300 places and in each, there are 300 rooms and in each room, there are 300 kinds of penalties. There are scorpions and snakes, ropes and chains, and irons. There is a well of pain which is unique and unbearable.

They will say, “If only we had listened and reasoned, we would not be among the residents of the Saeer!” And so they will confess their sins. So away with the residents of the Saeer!” – Al-Mulk 67:10-11

Haawiyah – هَاوِيَةٌۭ

Haawiyah means an immeasurably deep space, and this is the name Allah ﷻ has used to describe the last level of Jahannam or the last gate of Hell.

There is a fire mountain and the people who are against Allah will be laid down on this mountain on their faces and their hands will be tied to their necks and the necks will be tied to their feet and Zabaaniyah (angels of this level) will stand over them.

“As for the one whose scales are light, the Haawiyah will embrace him like a mother embraces her child. And what will make you know what Al Haawiyah is? It is a kindled fire burning hot.” – Al-Qari’ah 101:8-11