Understanding the intricate descriptions of the hereafter, particularly regarding the fuel of Hellfire in Islam, requires examining the precise historical and textual context of the Quran. When believers read verses detailing the punishments of the Hereafter, questions often arise regarding why certain groups are explicitly mentioned while others, such as the Jinn and devils, appear omitted from specific warnings.
Contextualizing Men and Stones
The Quran presents a profound warning in Surah Al-Baqarah, stating:
But if you do not – and you will never be able to – then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:24).
Prominent scholars explain that it is not intended for this single verse to cover every entity destined for punishment. Instead, the verse specifically addresses the polytheists of that era who worshipped idols. The “men” refers to the human disbelievers, while the “stones” directly refers to the inanimate idols they falsely worshipped.
The Divine Challenge
This specific warning is intrinsically linked to the divine challenge presented to humanity. Almighty Allah challenged the disbelievers to produce even a single surah (chapter) comparable to the Quran. The text emphasizes that they failed to do so and will never possess the capability to meet this challenge, even if they were to gather all their forces together. The mention of the Fire immediately follows this failed challenge as a stark reality for those who persist in their rejection of faith.
The Fate of the Jinn and Shayatin
While they are not explicitly named as “fuel” in this specific verse, the Shayatin (devils) are unequivocally barred from the mercy of Allah and are firmly destined for the Hellfire. Furthermore, the broader creation of the Jinn possesses free will. Among the Jinn are devout believers who will be rewarded with Paradise, alongside unbelievers who will be punished in the Fire. This reality is supported elsewhere in the Quran, where the disbelieving Jinn themselves are described as fuel for the Fire:
“And among us are Muslims [in submission to Allah], and among us are the unjust. And whoever has become Muslim – those have sought out the right course. But as for the unjust, they will be, for Hell, firewood” (Surah Al-Jinn, 72:14-15).
