Paradise and Hell:

We believe in paradise and hell. Paradise is the abode of enjoyment which Allah, the Exalted, prepared for the righteous. No eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard of, and no human being has ever thought of the blessings that they will enjoy there: "No soul knows what comfort is kept hidden for them, as a reward for their deeds" (32:17). Hell is the abode of punishment that Allah has prepared for the unbelievers and the evildoers. The torture and horror in it cannot be imagined: "Surely, We have prepared for the evildoers a fire, whose pavilion encompasses them. If they call for help, they will be helped with water like molten copper which will scald their faces. How dreadful a drink and how evil a resting place!"(18:29).

• Both paradise and hell exist now and will never perish: "Whoever

believes in Allah and does righteousness, He will admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein for ever. Allah had indeed made for him an excellent provision" (65-11); "Certainly, Allah has cursed the unbelievers and prepared for them a blazing fire to dwell therein forever, they shall find neither protector nor helper. On the day when their faces are turned about in the fire they shall say: 'Would that we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger!"' (33: 64-6).

• We confirm paradise to whom it is confirmed in the Qur'an or the

prophetic traditions either by name or description. Among those who are

granted paradise and mentioned by name are Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman,

'All and others who were specified by the Prophet, peace be upon him

(Bukhari and Muslim). Among those whom we confirm to enter paradise

because they fit the description are the faithful and the pious.

• We likewise confirm hell to whom it is confirmed in the Qur'an and the

sayings of the Prophet, whether in name or description. Among those who are mentioned by name to be in hell are Abu Lahab, 'Amr Ibn Luhai al- Khuza'i, and others (Bukhari and Muslim). Confirmation of hell that is

based on description includes every unbeliever, polytheist, or hypocrite.