Jahannam
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Jahannam is the Islamic equivalent to hell. Its roots come from the Hebrew word Gehinnom, which is a valley south of Jerusalem that was used as burial grounds by the Israelites. According to Islamic eschatology only God knows who will go to Jahannam and who will go to Jannah. Those who ignored, or only pretended to believe in Allah remain in Jahannam until Yaum al-Qiyamah (Judgment Day).
The seven gates of Jahannam are Jaheem, Ladha, Saqar, Hutamah, Hawiyah, Saeer, Janannam and Atham. The most severe gate is Atham, a valley of melted brass around the mountain of punishment, "as often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, so that they may taste the punishment; for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise" Sura An-Nisa 4:56
Zaqqum is a thorned tree that grows in Jahannam. It has bitter thorned fruit which the damned are compelled to eat so as to intensify their torment. Its fruits are shaped like devils' heads. Quote from the Qur'an:
- [44.43] Surely the tree of the Zaqqum,
- [44.44] Is the food of the sinful
- [44.45] Like dregs of oil; it shall boil in (their) bellies,
- [44.46] Like the boiling of hot water.
Surah Al-Baqara of the Holy Qur'an states that along with Muslims, Allah will also save Christians and Jews from Hell:
The Holy Qur'an also says that those who are damned to hell are not damned forever, but for an indefinite period of time. When Judgement Day comes they will, after serving their time, enter into paradise so that every soul is saved.
"Those who believe, Jews, Nazarenes (Christians), and Sabaeans - whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good deeds - shall be rewarded by their Lord; they have nothing to fear nor are they saddened." :[2.62]