In Surah Al-A’raf, Allah presents us with two contrasting scenes—the people of Jannah (Paradise) and the people of Hellfire.
قَالَ ٱدۡخُلُواْ فِيٓ أُمَمٖ قَدۡ خَلَتۡ مِن قَبۡلِكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ وَٱلۡإِنسِ فِي ٱلنَّارِۖ كُلَّمَا دَخَلَتۡ أُمَّةٞ لَّعَنَتۡ أُخۡتَهَاۖ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا ٱدَّارَكُواْ فِيهَا جَمِيعٗا قَالَتۡ أُخۡرَىٰهُمۡ لِأُولَىٰهُمۡ رَبَّنَا هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ أَضَلُّونَا فَـَٔاتِهِمۡ عَذَابٗا ضِعۡفٗا مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِۖ قَالَ لِكُلّٖ ضِعۡفٞ وَلَٰكِن لَّا تَعۡلَمُونَ
“[Allah] will say, ‘Enter among nations who passed before you—of the jinn and mankind—into the Fire.’ Every time a new group enters, it will curse its sister nation until, when all have joined together, the last of them will say about the first, ‘Our Lord, they misled us, so double their punishment in the Fire.’ He will say, ‘For each is double, but you do not know.’” (7:38)
وَقَالَتۡ أُولَىٰهُمۡ لِأُخۡرَىٰهُمۡ فَمَا كَانَ لَكُمۡ عَلَيۡنَا مِن فَضۡلٖ فَذُوقُواْ ٱلۡعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَكۡسِبُونَ
“And the first of them will say to the last, ‘Then you had no advantage over us, so taste the punishment for what you used to earn.’” (7:39)
Here, we witness a blame game between the leaders and followers in Hell. The followers will accuse their leaders of misguiding them and demand that they receive double the punishment. The leaders, however, will wash their hands of any guilt, arguing that the followers made their own choices and should bear full responsibility. But it is too late—as Allah decrees, both groups will receive a double punishment for their actions.
This is a glimpse of the Unseen, where Allah is opening a window to what will unfold on the Day of Judgment. It serves as a clear warning: be mindful of the company you keep, for following the wrong crowd will lead to regret. You have the choice.
While this scene is terrifying and alarming, sometimes we need such a wake-up call to recognise the truth as it is.
The reward for the People of Jannah
Allah contrasts this with the reward of the righteous:
The people of Jannah receive their reward based on what they earned—the word “yaksibun” (يَكْسِبُونَ) highlights this. This teaches us that Paradise is not free of charge; it is the result of a person’s conscious efforts, and obedience to Allah’s commands. Every action was recorded, every sacrifice counted—it is their investment, portfolio, and ultimate earning.
On the other hand, those who lived without boundaries, disregarding divine guidance—choosing “my way or the highway”—will receive the punishment they rightfully deserve.
The People of A’raf – those between two worlds
Between these two groups are the people of A’raf, from whom the surah takes its name. There are four to five scholarly opinions on who they are, but the majority of mufassirun (tafsir scholars) agree that:
- A’raf means “heights”—a place situated between Jannah and Jahannam.
- Some refer to it as ‘soor’—a great wall or fortress.
- The people of A’raf are not harmed, but they remain in an uncertain state.
Who are the People of A’raf?
The most widely accepted interpretation is that these are the people whose good deeds and bad deeds are exactly equal. They have escaped Jahannam but have not accumulated enough good to enter Jannah.
We have numerous narrations from companions such as Ibn Abbas and Hudhaifa (may Allah be pleased with them), but these reports are not entirely solid, making this a less common opinion, though it remains a well-known view among scholars.
There are three main opinions regarding the identity of the people of A’raf:
1. The specially chosen people
According to one opinion, the people of A’raf are not those whose good and bad deeds are equal. Instead, they are a special group whom Allah has granted a unique status.
They have been given the ability to observe and recognise both the people of Jannah and Jahannam.
Their role is not due to a lack of Hasanat (good deeds) but rather an honour to witness the fate of others.
2. The warriors who lacked parental permission
Another view holds that the people of A’raf are those who went to jihad without obtaining the permission of one of their parents. Because of this, they remain suspended until that parent forgives them—only then can they enter Jannah.
3. Their ability to recognise the People of Jannah and Hell
The people of A’raf have a clear vision of both Paradise and Hellfire. The people of Jannah will be recognised by the light radiating from the traces of their wudu (ablution).
The Prophet ﷺ said in a hadith:
“I will recognise my followers as you would recognise your horses among others, by the brightness of their foreheads (Al-Ghurr) and their limbs (Al-Muhajjaloon).”
Just as a horse with white markings on its forehead is easily identifiable, the believers will be evident from the traces of their wudu.
Intercession for friends in Jahannam
Among the people of Jannah, despite their complete luxury and bliss, some will miss their close companions. They will ask:
“O our Lord, we have no concerns, but where is so-and-so?”
Allah will inform them that their friend is in Jahannam, serving their sentence. Moved by their concern, they will plead:
“Allow us to intercede for them, O Allah.”
By Allah’s mercy, they will be granted permission to go to Jahannam and search for their friend in a way that protects them from the Fire. Allah will also protect their friend’s face from the Fire so they can recognise them. They will retrieve their companion, shielding them from the flames, and Allah will grant them salvation.
The importance of choosing the right companions
This is a reminder of the importance of choosing our friends wisely. A sincere companion will not forget you in the Hereafter; they will ask about you, intercede for you, and, by Allah’s mercy, help you attain salvation.
May Allah make us among the people of Jannah and bless us with righteous companions. Ameen.
Delivered by Shaykh Haytham Tamim on 8th Ramadan 2025