Source: Fatāwā ‘Ilmiyyah (Tawḍīḥ al-Aḥkām), Vol. 2, p. 54
The ḥadīth states that heat and cold occur due to Hell’s breath. However, some places in the world, such as Murree and Swat, remain cool even in summer, while some countries have six months of daylight and six months of night. There are also areas where it is never hot, and some where it is never cold. Given these facts, how should the ḥadīth about “Hell’s breath” causing heat be understood?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh. Ammā ba‘d:
The ḥadīth mentioning that Hell breathes, causing heat, is authentic and established.
Narrated from Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه with multiple chains in:
Also supported in Ṣaḥīfah Hammām ibn Munabbih (ḥadīth 108).
Other Companions narrating similar reports:
Ḥāfiẓ Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr رحمه الله (d. 465H) said:
“Both opinions have clear proofs and could be discussed at length. Allāh grants success to the correct view.”
(al-Tamhīd, 19/117)
If taken literally, the meaning is that the extreme heat experienced on earth is a result of Hell’s breath. The exact reality of this is known only to Allāh.
Even if extreme heat originates from Hell’s breath, certain locations remain cool in summer due to obstructive factors such as:
These barriers lessen the effects of heat but do not negate the general principle.
Allāh says:
﴿إِنّا خَلَقنَا الإِنسـٰنَ مِن نُطفَةٍ أَمشاجٍ نَبتَليهِ فَجَعَلنـٰهُ سَميعًا بَصيرًا﴾ (Sūrah al-Dahr: 2)
“Indeed, We created man from a mixed drop, to test him, and We made him hearing and seeing.”
Although some are born blind or deaf, this does not contradict the verse—it describes the general rule, allowing for exceptions.
Similarly, the ḥadīth of Hell’s breath may have exceptions and specific cases without contradicting the general principle.
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
❖ The Question
The ḥadīth states that heat and cold occur due to Hell’s breath. However, some places in the world, such as Murree and Swat, remain cool even in summer, while some countries have six months of daylight and six months of night. There are also areas where it is never hot, and some where it is never cold. Given these facts, how should the ḥadīth about “Hell’s breath” causing heat be understood?
Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh. Ammā ba‘d:
The ḥadīth mentioning that Hell breathes, causing heat, is authentic and established.
Authenticity of the Ḥadīth
Narrated from Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه with multiple chains in:
- Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (ḥadīth 537)
- Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (ḥadīth 617)
- Muwaṭṭa’ Imām Mālik (1/16, ḥadīth 27)
- Kitāb al-Umm by Imām al-Shāfi‘ī, p. 58, ḥadīth 113
- Musnad Aḥmad (2/238, ḥadīth 7246)
Also supported in Ṣaḥīfah Hammām ibn Munabbih (ḥadīth 108).
Other Companions narrating similar reports:
- Abū Sa‘īd al-Khudrī رضي الله عنه (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, ḥadīth 538)
- Abū Dharr رضي الله عنه (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, ḥadīth 535; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, ḥadīth 616)
- Abū Mūsā al-Ash‘arī رضي الله عنه (al-Sunan al-Kubrā by al-Nasā’ī, 1/465, ḥadīth 1490)
Scholarly Interpretations
- Some scholars understand the narration metaphorically (figurative meaning).
- Others interpret it literally.
Ḥāfiẓ Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr رحمه الله (d. 465H) said:
“Both opinions have clear proofs and could be discussed at length. Allāh grants success to the correct view.”
(al-Tamhīd, 19/117)
Literal Understanding
If taken literally, the meaning is that the extreme heat experienced on earth is a result of Hell’s breath. The exact reality of this is known only to Allāh.
Why Some Places Remain Cool
Even if extreme heat originates from Hell’s breath, certain locations remain cool in summer due to obstructive factors such as:
- Rainfall during peak heat
- High mountains, dense forests, and snow that reduce heat intensity
These barriers lessen the effects of heat but do not negate the general principle.
Qur’ānic Analogy
Allāh says:
﴿إِنّا خَلَقنَا الإِنسـٰنَ مِن نُطفَةٍ أَمشاجٍ نَبتَليهِ فَجَعَلنـٰهُ سَميعًا بَصيرًا﴾ (Sūrah al-Dahr: 2)
“Indeed, We created man from a mixed drop, to test him, and We made him hearing and seeing.”
Although some are born blind or deaf, this does not contradict the verse—it describes the general rule, allowing for exceptions.
Similarly, the ḥadīth of Hell’s breath may have exceptions and specific cases without contradicting the general principle.
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
