Criticizing and Reviewing Hell Torment from the Viewpoints of Ibn Arabi and Mulla Sadra

Almost all Muslim scientists, such as Muslim philosophers, theologians, and commentators, have an integrated view of eternity and infinite duration. Where they differ is on the question of if eternity in hell requires eternal torment, or eternity in hell will finish with the finishing of requisite punishment. Ibn Arabi and Mulla Sadra believe that there is no coupling between eternity in hell and continuous torment. Continuous torment, in their opinion, is just a necessity of the maxim of the prevention-prohibition-principle. Further, they explicate, that by accounting for the overall mercy of God, we can argue that those who are in eternal torment have a finite duration at the end of which they will enjoy heaven, although a heaven different from those who are assigned to heaven. This opinion is not continuous with the Qur’an, which states that the inhabitants of hell will experience eternal divine torment. This article reviews the reasons the Ibn Arabi and Mulla Sadra give for their argument. Next it discusses the signs in the Qur’an and tradition on eternal torment. Finally, it criticizes the views of Ibn Arabi and Mula Sadra and explores the aspect of Mulla Sadra’s views that are in accordance with the Qur’an and tradition.