Introduction
The fate of Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) parents, Hazrat Abdullah and Hazrat Amina, in the hereafter is a question in Islamic history that scholars have often tried to veil. However, the clear words of the Quran and authentic narrations of Hadith reveal a bitter truth: they are in Jahannam (hell). Their family’s connection to the Kaaba, the presence of idols in their household, and their death before the advent of Islam confirm that they were polytheists (mushrik). Allah’s decree states that the abode of polytheists is Jahannam, and two Hadiths of the Prophet (ﷺ) add fuel to this fire. This article proves that Hazrat Abdullah and Hazrat Amina, according to the Quran and Allah’s words, are destined for Jahannam—no excuses, no pretense can change this truth.
Historical Reality: A Polytheist Family and the Key to the Kaaba
Hazrat Abdullah and Hazrat Amina belonged to the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe, which held the responsibility of guarding the Kaaba and keeping its key. However, this honor became a curse for them, as the Kaaba at that time housed 360 idols. According to Ibn Hisham (Sirat al-Nabawiyya) and Tabari (Tarikh al-Rusul wal-Muluk), the Quraysh tribe was deeply immersed in polytheism (shirk). Hazrat Abdul Muttalib, the Prophet’s grandfather, was the custodian of the Kaaba and actively participated in idol worship. His son Abdullah and daughter-in-law Amina grew up in this very environment.
- Idols in the Kaaba: The Quran (Surah Al-Hajj 22:26) mentions the purification of the Kaaba for Allah, which the Prophet (ﷺ) later accomplished. Before that, it was a hub of polytheism. Abdullah and Amina were part of that era.
- Idols in the Prophet’s Household: A narration (Sahih Muslim 2104, Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 2806, Sunan Abi Dawud 4158) records that when Jibril (A.S.) first brought revelation to the Prophet (ﷺ), he told Hazrat Khadija, “Remove the dogs and idols, and take down the pictures on the curtain; only then will I enter.” This clearly indicates that even the Prophet’s household was not free from polytheism before Islam. If the Prophet’s home was in such a state, what must have been the condition of his parents?
This proves that Hazrat Abdullah and Hazrat Amina were polytheists. Abdullah passed away before the Prophet’s birth, and Amina died when he was six years old. Neither of them ever recited the Kalima (declaration of faith), as Islam had not yet come into existence during their lifetime.
The Quran’s Decree: The Abode of Polytheists is Jahannam
Allah’s words leave no room for ambiguity on this matter. The Quran explicitly states the fate of polytheists:
- Surah Al-Baqarah 2:161-162:
“Indeed, those who disbelieve and die as disbelievers—upon them is the curse of Allah, the angels, and all of mankind. They will abide therein (in Jahannam) forever; their punishment will not be lightened, nor will they be reprieved.”
Abdullah and Amina did not believe in Allah, as no messenger had come to them. Yet, they died in a state of polytheism. - Surah At-Tawbah 9:113:
“It is not fitting for the Prophet and the believers to seek forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they are close relatives, after it has become clear that they are destined for Jahannam.”
This verse applies to the Prophet as well. If his parents were polytheists, why would he not be allowed to seek forgiveness for them?
The first condition for entering Jannah (paradise) is to bear witness to faith in Allah and the Hereafter. Hazrat Abdullah and Hazrat Amina did not fulfill this condition. The Quran’s verdict is clear: polytheists will go to Jahannam.
Evidence from Hadith: The Prophet’s Confirmation
Two authentic Hadiths further solidify this truth:
- Jahannam for the Father (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 203):
Hazrat Anas (R.A.) narrates that a man asked, “Where is my father?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “In the Fire.” He then said, “My father and your father are in the Fire.”
This Hadith explicitly states that Hazrat Abdullah is in Jahannam. Some scholars claim this is a general statement, but the words “my father” leave no room for doubt. - Prohibition of Seeking Forgiveness for the Mother (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 976):
Hazrat Abu Huraira (R.A.) narrates that the Prophet (ﷺ) visited his mother’s grave, wept, and said, “I sought permission from my Lord to seek forgiveness for my mother, but I was not granted permission.”
If forgiveness for Hazrat Amina were possible, why would Allah prevent the Prophet from doing so? This indicates that her fate in Jahannam was sealed.
These Hadiths, in conjunction with the Quran, lead to one conclusion: the Prophet’s parents are in Jahannam.
The Pretense of Scholars: Attempts to Hide the Truth
Many scholars turn away from this truth. They argue:
- The Period of Fatra: Abdullah and Amina died before Islam, during a time when no prophet was present. According to Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 1358), such people will be judged differently.
- The Prophet’s Honor: Due to his pure lineage (Surah Ash-Shura 26:219), his parents will be saved from Jahannam.
But these excuses are weak:
- Whether it was the period of Fatra or not, the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:119) states that every nation was given guidance. The Quraysh had the legacy of Hazrat Ibrahim’s (A.S.) monotheism, which they rejected.
- The Prophet’s honor stems from his own deeds, not his parents’ fate. The Quran (Surah Al-Isra 17:15) states that no one will bear the burden of another’s sins.
Scholars like Imam Nawawi and Ibn Taymiyyah were correct: due to their polytheism, their fate is Jahannam. The arguments of other scholars are mere emotional pretense.
Conclusion: A Truth That Sets Ablaze
Hazrat Abdullah and Hazrat Amina were polytheists—this is proven by the Kaaba’s key and the presence of idols in the Prophet’s household. The Quran (Surah At-Tawbah 9:113) clearly states that polytheists will go to Jahannam. The Hadiths (Sahih Muslim 203 and 976) confirm this: the Prophet’s father is in the Fire, and there is no scope for forgiveness for his mother. They died before Islam, never recited the Kalima, and lacked the first condition for Jannah—bearing witness to faith. Allah’s decree and the Prophet’s words reveal the truth: the Prophet’s (ﷺ) parents are in Jahannam. Denying this is to turn away from the Quran and Hadith. The truth is out—this fire cannot be extinguished.
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