7 Levels of Hell in Jahannam You Should Know

Look, you can call it a wakeup call or you can call it an ancient warning—but the truth remains: Jahannam isn’t a metaphor in Islam. It’s real. And it’s way more complex—and terrifying—than the cartoonish flames most people imagine.

Let me give you the facts. Not from speculation, but as taught for centuries by Islamic scholars, and preserved in the Quran and Hadith.

We’re talking about seven levels of Jahannam. Seven. Each with a different name. Each with a different group of inhabitants. Each with a punishment more severe than the last.

You ready? Because this isn’t just info for passersby—it’s a warning directly to you and me.

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Why Does Knowing This Matter?

Before I get into technicalities, ask yourself:
Are you one of those people who thinks, “It’ll all work out in the end—I’ll make it somehow”? Or “I’m not that bad—I pray sometimes, don’t I?”

I’ve sat in therapy sessions, across from Muslims who can’t sleep at night. Not because they did something unspeakable—but because they carry the secret, gnawing fear that their sins aren’t forgiven; that Jahannam is waiting for them.

You don’t need me to scare you. Allah ﷻ is more merciful than you or I can ever grasp. But denying the reality of Jahannam—or thinking “hell is only for the worst of the worst”—is pure self-deception.

Let’s confront what our tradition actually says.

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The 7 Levels of Jahannam: Names and Who They’re For

You think all “hell” is the same? Let me tell you the layers.

Remember, this isn’t just theory—these levels are described in detail in traditional tafsir, derived directly from Surah Al-Hijr, Ayah 44:

[Surah Al-Hijr, Ayah 44]
“It (Jahannam) has seven gates; for every gate is of them a portion designated.”

Now let’s break them down:

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1. Jahannam (جهنم)

“The General Hell”

According to Islamic scholars, this is the most basic, outer layer—yes, the word “Jahannam” is both the general name for Hell and also the first level.
Who ends up here?
Muslims who committed major sins without repentance, whose good eventually outweighs their bad, but who must be purified. Classical tafsir notes these are not disbelievers but those who neglected the gravity of certain sins and disobeyed Allah ﷻ knowingly.

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2. Laza (اللظى)

“The Blazing Fire”

Described in Surah Al-Layl, Ayah 15, and expanded in the works of Dr Israr Ahmed—this level is for those who went beyond just disobedience; those who adamantly denied the verses of Allah ﷻ and His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ (see Tafsir Ibn Kathir).

[Surah Al-Layl, Ayah 15]
“None will enter it but the most wretched who denied and turned away.”

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3. Al-Hutamah (الحطمة)

“The Crusher”

Imagine a fire that doesn’t just burn, but breaks to pieces.
According to classical sources and modern teaching by Noman Ali Khan, Al-Hutamah is the level waiting for people whose hearts were hardened by arrogance, those who slandered, mocked believers, or used their tongue as a weapon.

[Surah Al-Humazah, Ayah 4-7]
“No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher. And what can make you know what is the Crusher? It is the fire of Allah ﷻ, [eternally] fueled…”

Scholars document that this is a fire that devours the hearts—a punishment directly tied to the poison one spread in this life.

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4. Saqar (سقر)

“The Scorching Flame”

This level—according to Dr Israr Ahmed’s explanations—is specifically reserved for those who neither established the prayer nor fed the poor, but instead indulged in vain talk and denied the Day of Judgment.

[Surah Al-Muddaththir, Ayah 42-46]
“What has landed you in Saqar? They will say, ‘We were not of those who prayed, nor did we feed the poor…'”

Modern tafsir writers note that this level targets laziness in prayer and social unconcern as direct causes.

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5. Al-Jaheem (الجحيم)

“The Fierce Blaze”

Who are the people doomed here? According to classical commentary compiled at Alim.org, these are the idolators—polytheists who refused to recognize the oneness of Allah ﷻ.

[Surah As-Saffat, Ayah 55-56]
“Do you wish to look down?” He looked down and saw him in the midst of the blazing Fire (Jaheem).”

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6. Al-Sa’eer (السعير)

“The Kindling Fire”

Classical and contemporary Islamic authorities agree that Al-Sa’eer is for the devil’s followers—those who actively led people astray, rebelled against Allah ﷻ, spread corruption, or were open enemies of the prophets.

Research by Dr Israr Ahmed reveals this is a level of fire so intense, the pain renews itself—the skin and nerves replaced to feel the burn again and again.

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7. Al-Hawiyah (الهاوية)

“The Abyss”

As noted by scholars at Yaqeen Institute, this is the deepest, worst pit—reserved for hypocrites (munafiqun) and the most severe of all deniers, as the Quran describes:

[Surah Al-Qari’ah, Ayah 9]
“But as for him whose balance (of good deeds) will be light, his home will be Hawiyah (the abyss).”

Scholars of tafsir emphasize that this is not just for those who openly rebel, but for those who pretended faith on the outside while nurturing disbelief within.

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Real Scenarios: It’s Not Just “Bad People” Down There

Let me share a few painfully real stories—from actual Muslims I’ve counseled as a therapist and from our traditions.

Picture this:
— A wealthy man avoids zakah year after year. He justifies, “I’ll make it up later.” On his deathbed, he’s overcome with regret. According to classical Islamic sources, those who withhold zakah face some of the worst punishment in Jahannam, as said by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Sahih Muslim (Book 1, Hadith 34).

Bolded hadith:
“The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in Sahih Bukhari (Book 24, Hadith 486): ‘Whoever is made wealthy by Allah ﷻ and does not pay the zakat of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will be made into a bald-headed poisonous male snake…'”

— A young woman constantly slanders classmates, sometimes in group chat, other times in person. She “forgets” every Ramadan and returns to old habits. As recorded by Islamic scholars, persistent backbiting (ghibah) is a cause for punishment in Hutamah, the level described in Surah Al-Humazah.

— A teenager who prays but posts TikTok videos mocking the hijab and Islam, claiming “It’s just a joke.” According to traditional Islamic scholarship, mocking any verse of the Qur’an or the religion is a cause of major sin, as explained by the majority of classical mufassirun.

— The “good” uncle who always skips prayer, never fasts, but tells the family: “I have a good heart, that’s enough.” Islamic teachings preserved through centuries of commentary emphasize that the prayer is the dividing line between belief and disbelief.

[Surah Al-Muddaththir, Ayah 42-43]
“‘What has landed you in Saqar?’ They said, ‘We were not among those who prayed.'”

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Let me tell you something no one talks about at dinner parties: Hell is not reserved for murderers and tyrants. The slow drift—leaving prayer, embracing gossip, giving up hope—lands more people in torment than any earth-shattering crime.

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The Psychological Reality: Why Allah ﷻ Warns Us with Jahannam

Here’s the thing. The fear of Jahannam isn’t about trauma—it’s a motivator. As noted by leading authorities including Dr Israr Ahmed and clinical research shared by contemporary Muslim mental health experts, confronting our fears—rather than avoiding them—can catalyze profound repentance and change.

You know that heavy feeling you get, late at night, when your mistakes echo back at you? The point isn’t to collapse under guilt, but to run—run to the mercy of Allah ﷻ.

Let me remind you—no matter how terrifying Jahannam’s details, mercy is always one sincere tawbah (repentance) away. As Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith 4242):

“The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, ‘The one who repents from sin is like one who has no sin.'”

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What Protects You from Jahannam? 6 Ultra-Specific Action Steps

Alright, let’s get practical. It’s not enough to “know” the levels of hell—what do you do with it?

1. Pray consistently—never abandon Salah. Set 2 alarms for Fajr. Pair Dhuhr with lunch. Make Asr non-negotiable.
2. Feed the poor regularly—every grocery trip, put aside a sum.
3. Watch your tongue—even in group chats. Next time you want to mock, remember Al-Hutamah.
4. Guard against hypocrisy—in public and private. Make your du’as as earnest in your room as they are in the masjid.
5. Avoid arrogance and jealousy—catch yourself in comparison, kill it with dhikr.
6. Repent sincerely—make tawbah real. Sit down tonight, name your biggest sin, ask forgiveness with tears.

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Quick Answer: What Are the 7 Levels of Hell in Islam? (For Featured Snippet)

Question: What are the seven levels of Jahannam in Islamic tradition?
Answer:
In Islam, the 7 levels of Hell (Jahannam) are: Jahannam (for sinful Muslims), Laza (for deniers), Al-Hutamah (for slanderers and the arrogant), Saqar (for those neglecting prayer and the poor), Al-Jaheem (for idolaters), Al-Sa’eer (for open rebels), and Al-Hawiyah (for hypocrites and the worst deniers), as explained by scholars using Quran and Hadith sources.

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Final Thoughts: Circle Back

Maybe you smiled once and asked yourself, “How bad can it be?”
Let me tell you: those who smiled before you—some ended up wishing they could trade one good deed for a drop of forgiveness.

Don’t put off repentance. Don’t think, “I’ll be fine, it’s just a few mistakes.”
Allah ﷻ’s mercy is bigger than any level of hell—if you grab it.

If these truths moved your heart, act on them now. And when you’re ready to learn more, go deeper into the reality of the Day of Judgment, find out what Allah ﷻ’s friends (awliya) did to protect themselves, and make every step count.

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Disclaimer:
This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in presenting Islamic teachings, readers are strongly advised to consult qualified Islamic scholars in their local area for specific religious rulings, detailed interpretations, and matters requiring expert guidance.