Q: I read in a Hadith narrated on the authority of Abu Sa`id Al-Khudry (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, When the believers pass safely over (the bridge across) Hell, they will be stopped at a bridge between Hell and Jannah (Paradise) where they will retaliate each other for the injustices done in the world, and when they are purified of all their sins, they will be admitted into Jannah ... What is the general meaning of this Hadith? (Part No. 3; Page No. 463) How can the phrase "the believers pass safely over (the bridge across) Hell" be understood in light of Allah's saying, There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell): this is with your Lord; a Decree which must be accomplished. Would you please explain the Hadith and Ayah? May Allah reward you the best in this world and the blessings of the Hereafter.

A: When all the believers pass over Sirat (the bridge over the Fire), those who still owe rights to other believers will be held in a place between Jannah and Hell and denied access to Jannah until retribution is carried out; the wronged shall be credited extra good deeds which will be taken from the wrong doers. After the accounts are settled and the wrong doers are cleared from all liabilities, they will be admitted into Jannah. As to those who are free from injustices, they will not be held for reckoning. This view is based on the apparent meaning of this Hadith as well as other reports showing that some believers will be admitted into Jannah without reckoning or experiencing torment.As for Allah's saying, There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell): this is with your Lord; a Decree which must be accomplished. It shows that all people, Muslims and non-Muslims, will pass over Hell through passing over the Sirat established over it. However, among them are those who pass quickly, who crawl across, and who are saved from Hell and finally those who fall into it. The believers will be saved from Hell while the Kafirs (disbelievers) will be made to dwell in it as Allah says in the following Ayah, Then We shall save those who used to fear Allâh and were dutiful to Him. And We shall leave the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrongdoers) therein (humbled) to their knees (in Hell). (Part No. 3; Page No. 464) Allah (Exalted be He) makes this reward obligatory for Himself and a decree which must be accomplished. No one can ward off His decree or change His judgment.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!