There was a dispute between the Hell and the Paradise and it (the Hell) said: The haughty and the proud would find abode in me. And the Paradise said: The meek and the humble would find their abode in me. Thereupon Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, (addressing the Hell) said: You are (the means) of My punishment by which I punish those of My servants whom I wish. (And addressing the Paradise) He said: You are only My Mercy by means of which 1 shall show mercy to those whom I wish, but each one of you would be full.
The Book of Paradise, its Description, its Bounties and its Inhabitants
Sahih Muslim 2846 a - Commentary by Imam An-Nawawi
The Nature of Hell and Paradise
This profound hadith reveals the essential character of Hell (Jahannam) and Paradise (Jannah). Hell declares itself as the abode for the arrogant and proud, while Paradise proclaims itself as the dwelling for the meek and humble. This demonstrates that these eternal abodes possess consciousness and speak by Allah's permission.
The arrogant (mutakabbir) are those who reject truth out of pride, while the proud (jabbar) are those who oppress others. Conversely, the meek (du'afa) are the humble and weak in worldly status but strong in faith, and the humble (mustad'if) are those who submit completely to Allah's will.
Divine Decree and Justice
Allah's response establishes fundamental theological principles: Hell is His instrument of punishment ('adhab) exercised through His perfect wisdom and justice. Paradise is His manifestation of mercy (rahma) granted through His boundless generosity.
The declaration "each one of you would be full" affirms that both abodes will be completely filled according to Allah's predetermined knowledge and wisdom. This refutes any notion that either Hell or Paradise might remain partially empty.
Spiritual Lessons
This narration serves as a severe warning against arrogance and pride, which are among the gravest sins that lead to Hellfire. Simultaneously, it encourages humility, meekness, and submission to Allah - qualities that lead to Paradise.
The ultimate determination rests with Allah's will, combining His justice in punishing the disobedient and His mercy in rewarding the obedient. This balance between divine justice and mercy is central to Islamic theology.