Jahannam

In Islam, Jahannam (Arabic: جهنم) is the place of punishment for evildoers in the Akhirah / afterlife, or hell. This notion is an integral part of Islamic theology and has occupied an important place in Muslim belief. The concept is often called by the proper name "Jahannam", but other names refer to hell and these are also often used as the names of different levels of hell. The term "Jahannam" itself is used not only for hell in general but (in one interpretation) for the uppermost layer of hell. The importance of hell in Islamic doctrine is that it is an essential element of the Day of Judgment, which is one of the six articles of faith "by which the Muslim faith is traditionally defined". In mainstream Islam, punishment and suffering in hell is physical, psychological, and spiritual, and varies according to the sins of the condemned person. Its pain and horror as described in the Qur'an juxtaposes the pleasure and delights of Jannah (heaven). Muslim scholars disagree over whether hell will last for eternity, or whether God's mercy will lead to its eventual elimination. The common belief among Muslims holds that Jahannam coexists with the temporal world, just as Jannah does (rather than being created after Judgment Day). Hell is described physically in different ways in different sources within Islamic literature. It is enormous in size, and located below Paradise. It has seven levels, each one more severe than the one above it, but it is also said to be a huge pit the resurrected walk over on the bridge of As-Sirāt. It is said to have mountains, rivers, valleys and "even oceans" filled with disgusting fluids; and also to be able to walk (controlled by reins), and to ask questions, much like a sentient being.