Meeting Family in Paradise?

Asalamu Alaykum.

A few years ago, as a fairly new Msulimah, the following question was one of a great importance to me. What really surprised me at the time  was that , not a stone had not been left unturned and in Islam for any question you might have, you will be able to get your answer either through the Holy Qur’an or Prophet Muhammad’s(saw)  Sunnah ( Prophetic Tradition).

The question is: Can we be with our families in Paradise?

Answer

Thank you for your question.

We know that Paradise is the place where all our dreams are fulfilled as Allah  promises in His Noble Qur’an:

*{… they will have (in Paradise) all that their souls could desire, all the eyes could delight in. And you remain perpetually therein.}* (Az-Zukhruf 43:71)

*{No soul knows what is kept hidden for them of delights of the eyes, as a reward for what they used to do.}* (As-Sajdah 32:17)
As in the above verses, it has been repeatedly made clear that we will have all our hearts’ desires in Paradise; all the blessings we ask for.

This should mean that if we wish to meet our parents, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, husbands or wives, we will have them there. But suppose some of them do not deserve to be in Paradise. What happens then? Allah Almighty says in His Noble Qur’an what means:

*{Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord; Establish regular prayers; spend, out of (the gifts) We have bestowed for their sustenance, secretly and openly; and turn off evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the (eternal) home,- gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring: and angels shall enter unto them from every gate (with the salutation): “Peace unto you for that ye persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final home!”}* (Ar-Ra`d 13:22-24)

Particularly note the expression: *{the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring…}*

From this we can conclude that only the righteous people, who actually have the merits to enter Paradise will be admitted there. But, do not forget that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful; and out of the infinite bounty of His mercy, He may accept the prayers of His good servants, and forgive their parents. This is if their sins are forgivable by His merciful criteria of judgment. Let’s trust His mercy.

Answer: Reading Islam