Answer
Short Answer:
- As for the issue of segregation in Paradise, the mere occurrence of mixing is possible and there is no text in the authentic sources of Islam to prove that there will be no mixing. People–males and females–will see each other in Paradise.
- Furthermore, females will enjoy the same pleasures that males will enjoy.
- What applies to this world will not be applied to Paradise. Therein will be no concept of prohibited mixing between men and women. There will be no concept of mahram and non-mahram.
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Salam Mark,
Thank you for your question.
Muslims should always try to busy themselves with what takes them to Paradise.
Consequently, we need to focus on doing good deeds that get us closer to Allah and, in return, Allah will reward us abundantly in the Hereafter, inshaAllah.
Everything related to Paradise is one of the unseen things known only to Allah the Almighty.
We should not use our reasoning mind in regards to issues related to the unseen world.
The world of Paradise is completely different from our materialistic world.
What Allah prohibited in this life He has not prohibited in the Hereafter. Moreover, there are no obligations in Paradise.
Paradise is not a place of testing people. It is the place of reaping the fruits of the good things people did in this life.
No Discrimination in Paradise
Furthermore, in Paradise, both men and women will enjoy its blessings without the least discrimination.
In the Quran we read what means:
Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do. (Quran 16:97)
In another verse, we read what gives the meaning of:
Whoever does an evil deed will not be recompensed except by the like thereof; but whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – those will enter Paradise, being given provision therein without account. (Quran 40:16)
Descriptions of Paradise in Quran and Hadith
About the pleasures of Paradise, we read what means:
Indeed, the righteous will be in a secure place; Within gardens and springs, Wearing [garments of] fine silk and brocade, facing each other. Thus. And We will marry them to fair women with large, [beautiful] eyes. They will call therein for every [kind of] fruit – safe and secure. They will not taste death therein except the first death, and He will have protected them from the punishment of Hellfire. As bounty from your Lord. That is what is the great attainment. (Quran 44:51-57)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:
Allah (the Exalted and Glorious) said: “I have prepared for My pious servants which no eye (has ever) seen, no ear has (ever) heard and no human heart has ever perceived those bounties leaving apart (those bounties) about which Allah has informed you.” (Muslim)
No Segregation in Paradise
As for the issue of segregation in Paradise, the mere occurrence of mixing is possible and there is no text in the authentic sources of Islam to prove that there will be no mixing. People–males and females–will see each other in Paradise.
We read in the Quran what means:
And We will remove whatever is in their breasts of resentment, [so they will be] brothers, on thrones facing each other. (Quran 15:47)
Futhermore, there is no text that suggests males only will meet each other in Paradise. Females will enjoy the same pleasures that males will enjoy.
What applies to this world will not be applied to Paradise. Therein will be no concept of prohibited mixing between men and women. There will be no concept of mahram and non-mahram.
No Jealousy or Envy in Paradise
In Paradise, men will not gaze at women. There will be no feeling of enmity, hatred, envy, etc. People will enter Paradise without the least greed and envy in their hearts.
Almighty Allah tells us about this in the following words:
Indeed, the righteous will be within gardens and springs. [Having been told], “Enter it in peace, safe [and secure].” And We will remove whatever is in their breasts of resentment, [so they will be] brothers, on thrones facing each other. No fatigue will touch them therein, nor from it will they [ever] be removed. (Quran 15:45-48)
Allah makes it clear that people will be busy with the enjoyment they are receiving from Allah the Almighty:
Indeed the companions of Paradise, that Day, will be amused in [joyful] occupation. (Quran 36:55)
Consequently, everyone will be satisfied with his status and there will be no space for bad behavior or ill-conduct in Paradise.
Paradise Not Like This World
If we think deeply about the unique nature of Paradise, we will not think of it the way we think about this life. Paradise will be a place of eternal happiness and Allah will not allow anything that He dislikes to happen therein.
We pray to Allah the Almighty to grant us Paradise and guide those who are seeking the truth about Islam so that they accept it in order to enjoy the pleasures of Paradise.
And Allah knows best.
I hope this helps.
Salam and please keep in touch.
(From Ask About Islam archives)
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:
Paradise & Its Delights: The Names of Paradise And Paradise Desiring Its Inhabitants