Definition
The eternal abode of the disbelievers and those whose disobedience earned punishment. Believers who enter due to sins will eventually be removed.
Etymology & Root
Most likely a non-Arabic loan into Arabic (Hebrew/Aramaic 'Gehinnom'). Other names in the Qur'an: an-Nār (the Fire), al-Jaḥīm, as-Saʿīr, al-Ḥuṭamah, Laẓā, Saqar, al-Hāwiyah.
Usage in the Qur'an
'Indeed those who disbelieve, neither their wealth nor their children will avail them anything against Allah; and they are fuel for the Fire' (Āl ʿImrān 3:10). Sūrat al-Ghāshiyah, al-Hāqqah, and others describe its torment.
Usage in the Sunnah
'Your fire — that the son of Adam kindles — is one of seventy parts of the Fire of Jahannam' (Bukhārī, Muslim). 'The lightest punishment of the people of the Fire on the Day of Judgement is a man wearing two shoes whose laces are of fire that boil his brain' (Muslim).
Scholarly Notes
Eternal for the disbelievers (kuffār) and the major mushrikūn — by ijmāʿ. For believers who enter due to sin: temporary; they exit by Allah's mercy and the intercession of the Prophet ﷺ. The shafāʿah for the people of major sins from his Ummah is established (Muslim).
Common Misconceptions
That Jahannam is metaphorical or that everyone eventually exits — false. That a Muslim with major sins necessarily enters forever — false; tawḥīd preserves him from eternity in the Fire.
Practical Application
Seek refuge from it after every prayer ('Allāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika min ʿadhāb Jahannam' — Abū Dāwūd, ṣaḥīḥ). Let its description motivate fear that drives obedience.
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