On the authority of Abu Hurrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:- When Allah created Paradise and Hell-fire, He sent Gabriel to Paradise, saying:- Look at it and at what I have prepared therein for its inhabitants.
The Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:- So he (Gabriel) came to it and looked at what Allah had prepared therein for its inhabitants.
The Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:- So he (Gabriel) returned to HIM and said:- By your glory, no one hears of it without entering it. So he ordered that it be encompassed by forms of hardship. He said:- Return to it and look at what I have prepared therein for its inhabitants.
The Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:- So he (Gabriel) returned to it and found that it was encompassed by forms of hardship.
Then he returned to him and said:- By Your glory, I fear that no one will enter it.
He said:- Go to Hell-fire and look at it and what I have prepared therein for its inhabitants, and he (Gabriel) found that it was in layers, one above the other. Then he returned to HIM and said:- By Your glory, no one who hears of it
will enter it. So HE ordered that it be encompassed by Lusts.
Then HE said:- Return to it. And he (Gabriel) returned to it and said:- By Your glory, I am frightened that no one will escape from entering it.