Hell

The place or state of punishment for the wicked after death. Concepts have developed differently across the traditions.

In Judaism

Sheol in the Hebrew Bible is a shadowy realm of the dead, not initially a place of punishment. Gehinnom (from the Valley of Hinnom) later developed as a place of purification or punishment. Many Jewish views see it as temporary rather than eternal, a place of cleansing before the soul enters the World to Come.

In Christianity

Hell is eternal separation from God and conscious punishment for those who reject salvation. Jesus spoke of Gehenna, outer darkness, and eternal fire. Revelation describes the “lake of fire.” Views range from eternal conscious torment to annihilationism to hopeful universalism in different traditions.

In Islam

Jahannam is the fire prepared for unbelievers and evildoers. The Quran vividly describes its torments. It has seven gates and levels of severity. Some Muslim scholars debate whether punishment is eternal for all inhabitants or whether some sinful Muslims may eventually be released after purification.