Crossing the Bridge over Hell

It was said: “O Messenger of Allah, what is the bridge?” He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “It is the void in which one is likely to slip. In it there are hooks and tongs and spikes like the thorns of the plant in Najd which is called As-Sa’daan. The believers then will pass over it within the twinkling of an eye, like lightning, or the wind, or birds, and like fine horses and camels. Some will escape and be safe, some will be scratched (by the hooks, etc.) and let go, and some will be piled up in the Fire of Hell.” [Muslim]

After the Reckoning and weighing and intercession, finally, we will have to cross the Bridge over Hell. He/she who is able to cross it goes to Paradise, while he/she who cared not for that Day will fall into Hell.

The Ayah, “There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell)…” [Quran: Surah Maryam, Ayat 71] affected the attitude of the righteous and kept them awake at night. It changed their whole life and kept them from laughing and enjoying their pleasures to the full.

Ibn Katheer mentioned that when Abu Maysarah went to bed he said, “Would that my mother had never given birth to me!” Then he wept. He was asked, “Why are you weeping, O Abu Maysarah?” He said, “Allah has told us that we will pass over it (Hell), but He has not told us that we will be saved from falling into it.” [Tafseer Ibn Katheer]