THE LOCATION OF HELL

 FAJR REMINDER: THE LOCATION OF HELL

By: Umm Affān

Dhū al-Qa'dah 15, 1447 (3-May-2026)

Where exactly is Hell located? This is one of the matters of the unseen over which the scholars have held differing views, primarily because no clear, and decisive text conclusively settles the issue.

Some scholars, including Ibn ‘Abbās (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu), held the well-known opinion that Hell is situated in the lowest, seventh layer of the earth. They supported this view with the Statement of Allāh: “Nay! Truly, the Record (writing of the deeds) of the Fujjār (disbelievers, sinners, evil-doers and wicked) is (preserved) in Sijjiīn.” [Sūrah Al-Muṭaffifīn (83): 7] Likewise, in the Ḥadīth of Al-Barā’ Ibn ‘Āzib (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) concerning the soul of a disbeliever, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Allāh then commands, ‘Write his record (that he will be) in Sijjīn, in the lowest earth.’” [Musnad Aḥmad 18534]

Similarly, when Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymīn (Raḥimahullāh) was asked about the location of Hell, he explained: “The location of Hell is in the earth, but some of the scholars said that it is the oceans, and others said that it is in the centre of the earth. What appears to be the case is that it is in the earth, but we do not know exactly where it is in the earth...” [Fatāwā Nūr ‘ala ad-Darb, 4/2]

On the other hand, some scholars believe that Hell is located in the heavens. They cite as evidence the narration of the Prophet (ﷺ)’s Night Journey, during which he mentioned seeing both Paradise and Hell in the heavens. However, Shaykh Muḥammad Ibn Aḥmad As-Saffārīnī (Raḥimahullāh) clarified this point, saying: “However, there is no proof in this and similar reports that Hell is in the heavens, because it is possible that he saw it on earth when he was in the heavens. The deceased sees Paradise and Hell when he is in his grave, and Paradise is not on earth...” [Al-Buḥūr az-Zākhirah fī ‘Ulūm al-Ākhirah, 3/1313]

Regardless of its exact location, what is certain is that Hell is a tremendous and terrifying reality—an abode of eternal confinement and severe punishment. No disbeliever in Allāh will escape it. Reflect on the case of Abū Ṭālib: despite his support for the Prophet (ﷺ) and his defense of the message, he will not be saved from Hell because he died upon disbelief (as a Mushrik). His punishment will only be lessened due to his efforts.

Dear brethren, let us be mindful to meet our end as true believers in Allāh. We must guard our records from any act of Shirk and strive to abandon major sins that could lead one to Hell—such as Siḥr (magic and sorcery), Zinā (fornication and adultery), consuming Ribā (interest), and drinking alcohol.

I beseech Allāh, in His Mercy, to protect us from the Fire and grant us safety from its punishment. Aameen.