Question :
I read in the book "Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar" by Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah have mercy on him), where he states that whoever believes that the Hellfire will cease to exist – meaning that the punishment of the disbelievers is not eternal – is committing disbelief (Kufr). I have also read similar statements in the works of many scholars from the Shafi'i, Hanafi, Maliki, and other schools of thought. Some scholars even authored books specifically to clarify that the Hellfire and its punishment for disbelievers are eternal, which is clearly supported by numerous Quranic verses and authentic Hadiths. From my understanding, this is the consensus (ijma') of the scholars of the Ummah. However, a few days ago, I read a book by a contemporary author who claims that the Hellfire will cease to exist and that the punishment of disbelievers is not eternal. He also mentioned that there is an opinion that the disbelievers in Hellfire will eventually enter Paradise. I was very surprised by this, and my question is: Is it permissible for a Muslim to believe that Hell is not eternal and that it will cease to exist? Is this belief considered Kufr, or is it simply misguidance (Dalal) but not disbelief? Or is this a minor issue that does not have a significant impact, despite the many clear verses and authentic Hadiths on the subject? Please guide us to the truth, and may Allah bless you.
The Answer :
Indeed, the truth is as Imam Abu Hanifa mentioned in his book "Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar", which represents the creed of Muslims from both the Salaf and Khalaf. Imam Abu Hanifa is among the early scholars (the Salaf), and the proof for the eternal punishment of disbelievers in Hell is clear. Among the evidence is the statement of Allah (Exalted and Glorified):
• "And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then indeed for him is the Fire of Hell; they will abide therein forever" [Al-Jinn, 23].
• "They will remain in it forever; their punishment will not be lightened, nor will they be reprieved" [Al-Baqarah, 162].
• "Indeed, Allah has cursed the disbelievers and prepared for them a Blaze. Abiding therein forever; they will not find a protector or a helper" [Al-Ahzab, 64-65].
• "And they will not leave the Fire" [Al-Baqarah, 167].
• "That is because you took the verses of Allah in ridicule, and the worldly life deluded you. So on that Day they will not be removed from it, nor will they be asked to appease [Allah]" [Al-Jathiyah, 35].
Moreover, Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri: Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, "On the Day of Resurrection, Death will be brought forward in the shape of a black and white ram. Then a call maker will call, 'O people of Paradise!' Thereupon they will stretch their necks and look carefully. The caller will say, 'Do you know this?' They will say, 'Yes, this is Death.' By then all of them will have seen it. Then it will be announced again, 'O people of Hell !' They will stretch their necks and look carefully. The caller will say, 'Do you know this?' They will say, 'Yes, this is Death.' And by then all of them will have seen it. Then it (that ram) will be slaughtered and the caller will say, 'O people of Paradise! Eternity for you and no death O people of Hell! Eternity for you and no death."' Then the Prophet, recited:-- 'And warn them of the Day of distress when the case has been decided, while (now) they are in a state of carelessness (i.e. the people of the world) and they do not believe.'
This is the consensus of the Muslims, as has been reported by many scholars. Whoever claims otherwise cannot protect himself, herself, or anyone else from the fire, for Allah The Almighty "grants protection, and no one can grant protection against Him." We ask Allah to protect us from the fire and from every deed that brings us closer to it. And Allah The Almighty knows best.
