Is it permissible to supplicate for the entry into Paradise of animals and birds that were with the supplicant in this world, and are the sheep mentioned by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, "Pray in the sheepfolds and wipe away their nasal mucus, for they are among the beasts of Paradise," the same ones from this world, or are they new souls?

All animals will be gathered on the Day of Judgment, and some will be given retribution against others, then they will turn into dust. As for Paradise, it contains whatever souls desire, so it is not impossible for Allah to create whatever animals He wishes for those who desire them.

As for what has been narrated in the tradition that the sheep is one of the animals of Paradise, there are several interpretations of its meaning: one is that it descended from Paradise, or that there are animals in Paradise that resemble it, or that it is food for the people of Paradise, as in His (Allah's) saying: {And We will provide them with fruit and meat from whatever they desire} [At-Tur: 22], which refers to lamb meat.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded that sheep be honored by cleaning their resting place and praying in their vicinity.