So that they may taste the punishment

2-4-2006 | IslamWeb

Question:

When the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, will intercede for the people of Hellfire, he will intercede for them according to their faith, at different stages, what is the duration of each period? What is the duration of their stay in Hellfire? What is the longest period of their stay in Hellfire? How will their bodies bear the punishment of Hellfire?

---

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

 

Intercession for the people who committed major great sins and entered Hellfire is confirmed by authentic Prophetic narrations which were reported from one generation to another. As regards the length of time they will abide in Hellfire and who amongst them will be there for the longest duration, then the knowledge thereof in with my Lord in a record. As regards how will the bodies of people bear the punishment of Hellfire, the answer is that they will not bear the punishment. Rather, it will be severely hurt and in pain until theirs skin will burn, and Allaah will replace their skin so that will taste the punishment. Allaah Says (what means): {Every time their skins are roasted through, We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, Allaah is ever Exalted in Might and All-Wise.}[Quran 4:56]. Furthermore, the will be crying to return to this life so that they may do good. Allaah Says (what means): {And they will cry out therein, "Our Lord, bring us out; we will do righteous good deeds, other than what we were doing!"}[Quran 35:37].

Allaah Knows best.