Once Hadhrat Jibraeel (alayhis salaam) described Jahannum to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as follows:

“After Allah Ta’ala created Jahannum, it was stoked for a thousand years. It then became red. It was stoked for another thousand years, and it became white. It was again stoked for another thousand years and it became black. Presently it is black. The roaring and leaping of its flames never cease.

I take an oath by Allah! If Jahannum had to be opened the size of a needle’s eye, the entire universe would be reduced to ash. If a garment of a Jahannumi (an inmate of Jahannum) should be suspended between heaven and earth, its foul odour and heat will destroy and kill the entire creation. If just one chain of Jahannum from the chains mentioned in the Qur’aan is placed on a mountain, the latter will melt and sink into the very bottom of the earth’s bowels. If a person in the East had to be inflicted with the Athaab (punishment) of Jahannum, its heat will cause immense suffering to the people in the West.

The scorching heat of Jahannum is extreme and its depth is an abyss. Its jewels are made of iron and its water is boiling pus. Its garments are of fire.

It has five portals. The people who will pass through each portal have already been ordained. The distance between two portals is 70 miles. Each door is 70 times hotter than the adjacent one.

The enemies of Allah Ta’ala will be driven towards these Doors. They will be welcomed at these portals with chains with which they will be fettered. Each person will be accompanied by his/her shaitaan. They will be dragged upside down with their faces on the ground. They will be clubbed with hammers and buffeted by Angels into Jahannum.”

Thereupon, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) asked a question …

TO BE CONTINUED, INSHA ALLAH