Question:
Is it possible for me to meet my pet again after I die in the hereafter?
Answer:
Abu Hurairah radhiyallahu ‘anhu said:
إن الله يحشر الخلق كلهم، كل دابة وطائر وإنسان، يقول للبهائم والطيركونوا ترابًا
“Indeed, Allah will gather all creations (in the hereafter). (Which consists of) every animal, birds and humans. Then, Allah will say to the animals and birds: ‘Turn into dust.’” [1]
The situation of animals in the hereafter is very different from humans. In terms of their deeds, they aren’t accountable for the good or bad that they did, likewise, they will not be placed into paradise as is the case for the people of taqwa. Consequently, all animals will turn to dust in the hereafter.
However, we should also understand that the people of paradise will be granted anything that they wish for. Allah SWT states:
لَهُم مَّا يَشَاءُونَ فِيهَا وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيدٌ
“They will have whatever they wish therein, and with Us is more.” [2]
Imam Ibn Jarir al-Thabari in his commentary of this verse said: “For the people of taqwa, they’ll get whatever they want. Of which has been prepared for them whatever their heart desires as well as the beautiful sceneries for them to enjoy.” [3]
Allah SWT states:
لَهُمْ فِيهَا فَاكِهَةٌ وَلَهُم مَّا يَدَّعُونَ
“For them therein is fruit, and for them is whatever they request [or wish].” [4]
Imam al-Baghawi said: “For them (the people of paradise) is anything they want and everything their heart desires.” [5]
Allah SWT states:
وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَشْتَهِي أَنفُسُكُمْ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَدَّعُونَ
“And you will have therein whatever your souls desire, and you will have therein whatever you request [or wish].” [6]
Imam al-Tabari placed a narration that a Bedouin asked Rasullullah PBUH:
يا رسول الله إني أحبّ الإبلَ فهل في الجنة إبل فقال يا أعرابيّ إنْ يُدْخِلْكَ اللهُ الجَنَّةَ إنْ شاءَ اللهُ فَفِيها ما اشْتَهَتْ نَفْسُكَ وَلَذَّتْ عَيْنَاك
“O Messenger of Allah, I love camels. Will there be camels in paradise?” He then said: “O Bedouin, if Allah granted you paradise, Insya-Allah, you’ll find everything that you wanted and beautiful scenery for you to enjoy.” [7]
Thus, although animals will turn to dust in the hereafter, the people of paradise will be given special treatment to get whatever they want. This includes being together with their pets. Wallahu a’lam.