The Gates of Hell
Allah Ta’ala has told us that Hell has seven gates, as He (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) said:
” And surely, Hell is the promised place for them all. It [Hell] has seven gates, for each of these gates is a [special] class [of sinners] assigned” . (15:43-44)
Ibn Katheer commenting on this aayah, said: “This means that each gate has been allotted its share of the followers of Iblees who will enter it, and they will not be able to avoid it. May Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) protect us from it. Each will enter a gate according to his deeds, and will be assigned to a level of Hell according to his deeds.”
When the disbelievers come to Hell, its gates will be opened, and they will enter it, to remain there forever:
” And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups, till, when they reach it, the gates thereof will be opened [suddenly like a prison at the arrival of the prisoners]. And its keepers will say, “Did not the Messengers come to you from yourselves – reciting to you the Verses of your Rabb, and warning you of the Meeting of this Day of yours”. They will say, “Yes” but the Word of torment has been justified against the disbelievers” . (39:71)
After they are admitted, they will be told:
” Enter you the gates of Hell, to abide therein. And [indeed] what an evil abode of the arrogant!” (39:72)
These gates will be shut upon the evildoers, and they will have no hope of ever escaping from them after that, as Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) says, ” But those who reject Our Signs, they are the [unhappy] Companions of the Left Hand. On them will be Fire vaulted over [all round].” (90:19-20)
In the Qur’an Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) says:
” Woe to every [kind of] scandalmonger and backbiter, who piles up wealth and lays it by. Thinking that his wealth would make him last forever! By no means! He will be sure to be thrown into that which Breaks to Pieces. And what will explain to you that which breaks to pieces? The Fire of [the wrath of] Allah, kindled [to a blaze], which mounts [right] to the heart. It shall be made into a vault over them, in columns outstretched.” (104:1-9)
The gates of Hell may be opened and closed before the Day of Judgement. The Prophet (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) told us that the gates of Hell are locked during the month of Ramadhan. at-Tirmidhi reported that Abu Hurayrah said the Prophet (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said: ” When the first night of Ramadhan comes, the Shayaateen and evil jinns are chained up. The gates of Hell are closed and not one of them is opened. The gates of Paradise are opened and not one of them is closed. “(Ibid, p.66)