I have discussed this in some detail in the following Q&A.
(Atheist) Need serious help!! - Life After Death
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=1402.msg6457#new
However, those that have been granted paradise, there will always be the option to meet with those that were once known in earthly lives (52:21) of the righteous. However, it must be emphasised, that this will be a new world and our souls as part of a new creation.
I hope this helps, God willing
Joseph
I found it helpful that people on the day of judgement will forget about each other an abandon all ties. This is true, but I realized what might happen
after the day of judgement? It appears that Quran 52:25-28 states that ties will be realized in paradise and 52:21 makes it certain that people will remember you and aspects of your life in the afterlife. Would I be right in stating so?
The Words of God, in the Quran, tell us that the dwellers of Paradise will ask each other about their past lives.
“And they will approach one another, inquiring of each other. They will say, “Aforetime we were afraid with our families [of the punishment of God], but God has been gracious to us, and has saved us from the torment of the Fire.” (Quran 52:25-27)
(Quran 37:50-60) They will turn to one another, asking each other [about their past lives]. One of them will say: "I used to have a friend who would say to me: 'Are you one of those who say that it is true, that after we have died and are turned to dust and bones, we will face a Reckoning?'"And he will add: "Would you like to look [and see him]?"So he will look down and see him in the midst of the Blazing Fire and say: "By Allah, you almost ruined me! If it were not for the blessing of my Lord, I would surely be [now] among those who are given over [to suffering]. But then [Omy friends in Paradise,] is it [really] so that we are not to die [again,] beyond our previous death and we shall never [again] be made to suffer? Truly this is the Great Victory!" (Surat as-Saffat, 50-60)
Perhaps there will be a disconnect in the day of judgement but not when in paradise?
I found your argument that the disconnect must happen quite else the afterlife would be filled with mourning of those who are in hellfire compelling! Thanks for that. I hope to find a way to connect this to the verses above.
Further, I find it absolutely comforting that Allah states that he will remove rancor from their hearts, I also recall a verse that states that dialogue in paradise will not have any ill speech. Now I'm thinking, if there is no ill speech, does that mean there is no negative judgement? And when there is no rancor, does that mean that people will not be judging others? That they will completely forget about everyone's faults in the life.
I also recall verses in the Quran that state that the dwellers of paradise will be comfortable and whatever they ask for, Allah will provide. Now when I think about it there are only 2 ways someone can be comfortable:
1.) Know that everyone completely forgot about it any my actions in this life
2.) Ask Allah to make everyone completely forget about my actions in this life
The only issue I have, is that how can I receive whatever I ask for in paradise? Perhaps some things are impossible to achieve. Let's say that I ask to have equal power as Allah--I don't think that is something that can be granted even though it is logically possible. So perhaps there are limits to what I can ask for and maybe asking Allah to make everyone forget about me would be too much?
I do apologize for expressing a level of skepticism, but I believe a good response to this may be helpful to the point you are making