Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
My cats died recently. I want to know where they go after they die. Do they go straight to heaven?
Answer:
Thank you for your question. May Allāh bless you with relief and comfort for your loss.
Based on the verses of the Qurʿān and prophetic reports, animals will be resurrected on the day of judgement, justice will be manifested for them, thereafter they will be made to dust. Refer to the below mentioned source texts:
“There is no creature moving on the earth, nor a bird flying on its two wings, but they are all communities like you. We have not missed anything in the Book. Then, to their Lord all of them shall be gathered.” (Qurʿān 6:38)
“Allāh will resurrect all the creation on the day of rising; animals, birds, cattle and everything. The justice of Allāh will prevail even in favour of the hornless animal [who was attacked] against the horned animal. Allāh will then instruct, “Become dust”. This is the very matter that is referred to in the words of Allāh; “… the disbeliever will say [when they shall see animals being turned into soil], “O would that I had turned into dust – Qurʿān 78:40” (Muṣannaf ʿAbd al Razzāq)
There are numerous narrations of the Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) suggesting that certain animals will also be made to reside in Paradise after resurrection.
And Allāh Knows Best