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As for his question, “Will his soul meet the souls of his family and relatives?” there is a report from Abū Ayyūb al-Ansārī and others among the early generations, also related by Abū Hātim in al-Sahīh from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:
“When the deceased’s soul is taken up, the other souls receive him and ask him about the living. Some of them say to the others, ‘Leave him until he has rested.’ Then they ask him, ‘What has become of so-and-so?’ He replies, ‘He did righteous deeds.’ They ask, ‘What has become of so-and-so?’ He replies, ‘Has he not come to you?’ They say, ‘No,’ then say, ‘He has been taken to the Abyss.’”
Since the deeds of the living are presented to the dead, Abū al-Dardā’ used to say:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from doing anything that would disgrace me before ‘Abd Allāh ibn Rawāhah.”
Thus, they gather when he arrives, asking him questions which he answers. Their settled abodes, however, correspond to their ranks with Allah. Whoever is among those brought near to Allah has a higher station than someone among the people of the right. Yet those of higher rank descend to those of lower rank, while those of lower rank do not ascend to those of higher rank. Thus they meet, if Allah wills, just as they meet in this world despite their differing ranks, and they visit one another.