Faith Friday: Do Animals Go To Heaven?

... is probably one of the most frequently asked questions by Muslim children. It sounds silly but it's still a legit question and it stumps adults all the time. So do they or do they not go Heaven?

The short answer is: No.

Having said that, it doesn't mean that they go to Hell either. Neither the Holy Qur'an nor compilation of hadeeths specify what happens to animals after they die. I suppose it's because their afterlife doesn't really concern us but we are, however, given many examples about the importance of kind treatment towards animals. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) forbade the killing of animals in a cruel manner and without a good reason (e.g. to provide food)  and he also forbade the abuse and mistreatment of animals especially for mere entertainment (e.g. blood sports). (source)

Allah subhana wa taala created everything on this Earth for two reasons; to test us and to serve us as a purpose.

It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Moreover His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge. 

Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent (khalifah) on earth." They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" 

He said: "I know what ye know not."

{Surah al-Baqarah: 29-30}

I used to wonder why God would choose certain surahs to be named after animals, such as al-Baqarah (The Cow), an-Nahl (The Bee), al-Fil (The Elephant) and an-Naml (The Ants). SubhanaAllah, this was done for an incredible reason. There is a story behind each and every one of these animals to teach us about Allah's Greatness and Miracles and about our role and purpose on Earth. For instance, cows were designed to produce milk and bees, honey. Not only are they some of the most nutritious foods on Earth but milk and honey are both mentioned in the Holy Qur'an as part of  the description of Heaven. (Read more about the miracle of honey)

"Is then one who is on a clear (Path) from his Lord, no better than one to whom the evil of his conduct seems pleasing, and such as follow their own lusts? 

(Here is) a Parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised: in it are rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of (non intoxicating) wine, a joy to those who drink; and rivers of honey pure and clear. In it there are for them all kinds of fruits; and Grace from their Lord. (Can those in such Bliss) be compared to such as shall dwell forever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels (to pieces)". 

{Surah Muhammad: 13-14} 

Just like the bees, ants are known for their orderliness and the spell-bounding way they work together. It is fascinating to watch these insects at work. SubhanaAllah! Watch the video below or read the book, 'The Miracle in the Ant' by Harun Yahya.

Everything Allah subhana wa taala has created reflects the Greatness of His Being and His Miracles thus we must treat nature with respect. Be it in the beneficial things they produce or the efficiency in the way they work together as a community, it is their complete submission to Allah, the Creator of the Universe, that we should most of all understand as a sign. 

Everything Allah subhana wa taala made has a purpose, a reason to exist. Animals, insects, plants, rivers, mountains, stars, the sun and the moon. Unlike us, every non-human creation of His was designed to follow His order. As humans we were given the gift of free will and while it’s easy for us to say our purpose is to worship God I think it’s important to take a step back in the midst of our daily lives and analyse what that really means. Acts of worship aren't limited to performing prayers and reading the Holy Qur'an. Don't forget that our purpose in relation to this Earth is to be its khalifah, its guardian. I'm not asking you to save the world. All I'm saying is we can all be khalifahs in our own little ways and fulfill our duty towards our family, friends, community and environment as part of our worship towards Allah. 

O ye people! Adore your Guardian-Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that ye may have the chance to learn righteousness. 

Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith Fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth). 

{Surah Muhammad: 21-22} 

 P.S. My apologies for posting this a day late. I wasn't feeling well yesterday but I'm all good now alhamdulillah!