Christianity
Islam
Judaism
Hinduism
Buddhism
Hell & Divine Punishment
The possibility of post-mortem punishment for wrongdoing is a powerful moral deterrent and theological claim across traditions. Hell, Jahannam, Gehinnom, Naraka, and the Buddhist hells each describe consequences for unrepented evil, though traditions differ on whether punishment is eternal or temporary.
Across the World's Religions
Christianity
- פרקטיקה
- Hell (Gehenna) — eternal separation from God
- Key Text
- Matthew 25:41-46; Revelation 20:14-15; Luke 16:19-31
Islam
- פרקטיקה
- Jahannam — levels of hellfire for the wicked
- Key Text
- Quran 4:56, 15:43-44, 67:7-8
Judaism
- פרקטיקה
- Gehinnom — temporary purification (typically up to 12 months)
- Key Text
- Isaiah 66:24; Rosh Hashanah 17a
Hinduism
- פרקטיקה
- Naraka — temporary hells before rebirth, based on karma
- Key Text
- Bhagavad Gita 16:16; Garuda Purana (hells described)
Buddhism
- פרקטיקה
- Naraka — temporary hell realms until karma is exhausted
- Key Text
- MN 129-130; AN 3.36; Devaduta Sutta