Title: Family & Relationships in the Hereafter Question: Can you explain that, in the life hereafter, relationships of this world means anything? do father and mother know their children or do husband/wife know each other? What I understand every one is blessed and doomed differently, so they would not be together. Answer: Relationships in this life are a part of this transitional life. Because we are going to return to life after our death as we were then there is no reason to think that we would not recognize each other. As to the level of the relationship, we are not given enough information regarding this. The Qur'an seems to allude that we will know the people we knew on earth and even rejoice with them if we are judged amongst those who attain Heaven. Then he who is given his Record in his right hand, Soon will his account be taken by an easy reckoning, And he will turn to his people, rejoicing! - Al Infitar 84:7-9 There will be great division between the good-doers and the evil-doers. On that day those who were good in this life will be together in the next life. Those who do evil will have their company amongst the evil ones. If our spouses, children and families as a whole were good people then surely God's Justice and Mercy will give them their promised rewards. It is heaven and if we want we will be able to meet with our loved ones as we please. The same goes for those receiving the promise of punishment. The ones we are cut off from are those that make it elsewhere; this all depends on where we make it. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan March 8, 2005