Hell from us, its punishment is indeed a noose around the neck.’ Indeed, that is a most wretched abode.

[Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 19, Surah Al-Furqan, Verses 64-66)

(i.e. Hell is the place of punishment for him whose abode is Hell. It is not a place of punishment for the angels that are appointed in Hell or those dwellers of Paradise who will go to Hell to take sinful believers out of there).

It is stated in Tafseer Siraat-ul-Jinan, ‘This verse mentions the Du’a of those with complete faith, those who stay awake at night (for worship), and the worshippers; stating that they make Du’a in the following manner after their Salah and at other times: ‘O our Lord! Remove the punishment of Hell from us which is extremely painful. Its punishment is indeed a noose around the neck. Undoubtedly, Hell is the most evil abode and place to dwell in.’ Two things are learnt from this verse:

1.   Instead of relying on one’s worship and spiritual practices, one should rely on the grace and mercy of Allah Almighty, remaining fearful of His hidden decree, as this is the practice of the people with complete faith. Hence, Imam Abdullah Bin Ahmad Nasafi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه has stated, ‘The purpose of this Du’a of theirs is to reveal that despite worshipping Allah Almighty abundantly, they still possess the fear of Allah Almighty, and they humble themselves and plead in His court.’

2.   ‘Allamah Isma’eel Haqqi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه has stated, ‘It has been stated in this verse that those with complete faith greatly fear Allah’s punishment despite treating the creation with kindness and striving their hardest to worship Allah Almighty. Moreover, they implore and beseech that punishment be removed from them. So, despite their abundant worship and piety, when they make Du’a in the court of Allah Almighty, they count themselves among the sinners, and the reason for this is that they do not give importance to their deeds and they do not rely on their state.’ (Ruh-ul-Bayan, Surah Al-Furqan, under verse 64, vol. 6, p. 242; Siraat-ul-Jinaan, vol. 7, p. 56)