The Path to Heaven and Hell

In Tafsir al-Tasnim, Ayatollah Jawadi Amuli explains that the path to Heaven and Hell are not parallel but sequential; one cannot reach Heaven except by passing through Hell. This is a decree from God: “There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell); this is with your Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished. Then We will save those who used to fear God and were dutiful to Him. And We shall leave the wrongdoers therein (humbled) to their knees (in Hell)” (19:71–72). While exegetes differ on whether this passage implies literal entry into Hell or merely exposure to it, the conclusion remains that the people of Paradise will only reach Heaven after passing through Hell. For the righteous, this passage serves as a means to magnify their gratitude for divine grace, as they realize the dangers and punishments they have been spared.

This passage is not merely a theoretical reality of the Hereafter but reflects the existential truth of traversing the Straight Path in this world. The ṣirāṭ al-mustaqīm, which embodies the essence of religion, is described as a path surrounded by fire on all sides. To remain steadfast on this path requires trampling over temptations and sins, which are likened to fire. Those who abandon God’s commandments effectively fall into this fire, even if they do not perceive its reality in this life. The Qur’an highlights this hidden reality, stating: “Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire. And they will be burned in a Blaze” (4:10). While these individuals may remain oblivious in this world, the Day of Resurrection will unveil this reality in a form that cannot be denied. The acts of devouring the forbidden, oppressing others, or pursuing worldly desires will manifest as the flames of Hell.

The link between one’s actions in this world and the experience of Hell in the Hereafter is vividly illustrated by the Qur’anic symbolism of the Straight Path. In this life, the Straight Path is embodied in divine guidance through religion, the Prophets, and the infallible Imams. In the Hereafter, it is represented as a bridge over Hell. Those who commit sins or abandon the divine path are already in a metaphorical fire, even if they remain heedless of it. Their heedlessness is likened to being poisoned by a venomous snake—though the poison numbs their senses, the reality of their suffering becomes evident when the veil is lifted: “You were certainly in heedlessness of this. So We have removed your veil from you, so your vision today is sharp” (50:22).

Crossing the ṣirāṭ in the Hereafter directly reflects one’s adherence to the Straight Path in this world. Those who journeyed through life with sincerity and commitment to God’s commands will pass over the ṣirāṭ swiftly and securely, like a flash of lightning. Conversely, those who wavered between adherence to religion and pursuit of deviant paths will stumble and struggle, reflecting their inconsistent journey in life. The Qur’an and the teachings of the Imams emphasize this correspondence, illustrating that the manner of crossing the ṣirāṭ in the Hereafter is a direct consequence of one’s spiritual efforts in this world.

Moreover, the journey to Paradise entails not only passing through Hell but also recognizing the transitory nature of worldly desires and attachments. The Qur’an describes these desires as adornments of the earth, created to test human beings but ultimately destined to wither: “Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed. And indeed, We will make that which is upon it [into] a barren ground” (18:7–8). The apparent allure of worldly attachments blinds many to their impermanence, leading them to prioritize fleeting gains over eternal truths. The righteous, however, trample these temptations underfoot, maintaining their focus on the ultimate goal of divine proximity.

In conclusion, the path to Heaven is inseparably linked to the encounter with Hell, both in its metaphysical reality and in its reflection of worldly life. To reach Paradise, one must navigate the trials and temptations symbolized by fire, emerging purified and more deeply aware of God’s grace. This journey demands steadfastness on the Straight Path, a commitment to divine guidance, and a rejection of heedlessness. As Ayatollah Jawadi Amuli eloquently articulates, the manner in which one walks this path in life determines the ease or difficulty of crossing it in the Hereafter. Through this lens, the Qur’an transforms the path to Heaven into not just a physical crossing but a profound spiritual journey of self-purification and divine gratitude.

Reference

Tafsir al-Tasnim (Surah Al-Hamd)