The theme of this book is relief after hardship, or as the old proverb has it, ‘Every cloud has a silver lining.’ The author, Sameh Strauch, explains this concept, describing, with evidence from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, why we are subject to trials and tribulations, and how, when adversity is at its worst, relief is near. He uses as examples the stories of the prophets and the trials they endured. Strauch then proposes measures to be undertaken to attain relief from difficulty, and explains the importance of tawakkul (depending upon Allah), the benefits and wisdom derived from the concept of hardship and relief, and much more. If you have ever been stricken by calamity and wondered why it happens, this book has the answer.

In all the divine revelations there is a constant warning that wrongdoers may end up in Hell-fire, though Allah’s kindness and mercy are extended to many people. Reading about the Hell-fire enables one to know it, fear it, and try utmost to keep oneself away from it through correct beliefs and good deeds. The more one knows about Hell-fire, the more he or she strives to be saved from its reach. Relying on statements from the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith, this book enables the reader to have a realistic picture of Hell-fire’s torments. It may be enough to know that it is a raging fire, but detailed knowledge of it, as displayed in this book, will strengthen a person’s belief and eventually, Allah willing, make him or her seek for and remain steadfast on the path to salvation. This is an indispensable book for believers and non-believers alike. Hell-fire: Its Torments and Denizens is an abridged, summarized version of Siddiq Hasan Khan’s book about the Hell-fire.