Will Expiated Believers Through the Grave Torments Still Face Hellfire Afterward?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Do those whose sins are fully expiated through the torment of the grave and hardships of the Day of Resurrection still face Hell? If not fully forgiven, will they be punished in Hell? Who undergoes these trials?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
Islam holds that Allah’s justice and mercy encompass the process of purification for believers who have sinned and did not repent before passing away. The trials of the dunya, grave, and the Day of Resurrection serve as means of expiation, ensuring that many believers enter Paradise without facing Hellfire.
Allah (Most High) says:
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him, but He forgives whatever is less than that for whom He wills.” [Quran, 4:48]
If One’s Sins Are Fully Expiated Before Hellfire
If a person’s sins are entirely expiated through the punishment of the grave, the hardships of the Day of Judgment, or other means such as sincere repentance, good deeds, or intercession, they will not enter Hell. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The trials continue to afflict the believer—on himself, his children, and his wealth—until he meets Allah free of sin.” [Tirmidhi]
If One’s Sins Remain Unforgiven
If a believer’s sins remain unforgiven and unexpiated, they may enter Hell temporarily to be purified before ultimately being admitted into Paradise. However, this is only for those who die in a state of faith (Iman). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) assured:
“Whoever has an atom’s weight of faith in his heart will eventually be taken out of the Fire.” [Tirmidhi]
Who Undergoes These Trials?
The trials of the grave and the hardships of the Day of Resurrection are experienced by:
- Believers with sins: Their hardships serve as expiation, reducing or eliminating the need for punishment in the Hereafter.
- Righteous believers: Some endure trials as a means of elevation in their ranks in Paradise.
- Disbelievers and Hypocrites: Their trials are not expiatory but rather a prelude to eternal punishment.
Conclusion
Believers whose unrepented sins are fully expiated through trials will not enter Hell. Those whose sins remain unaccounted for may enter Hell temporarily unless forgiven by Allah’s mercy. Ultimately, every believer will be granted eternal salvation in Paradise.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
