based on indication and a fortiori reasoning. We have explained more than once that this kind of reasoning about the unseen by analogy with the seen occurs in the Quran and Sunnah. He said, “Does not each of you see the moon on the night of the full moon, each alone with it?” He said, “Allah is greater and more majestic.” He also said, “It is merely one of Allah’s creations.” That is His sign in His creation.

The Prophet’s affirmation, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, that all creation can see Allah at the same time, each alone with Him—by analogy with seeing the moon, together with his words, “Allah is greater and more majestic”—clearly demonstrates that people will see Him directly, face to face, and that He will be in a direction relative to them. If it is possible for people to see one of His creations simultaneously, each alone with it, then this is all the more possible with Allah, for He is greater and more majestic.

The fourth argument: That Allah is seen in a direction relative to the observer is established by the consensus of the early generations and the imams, as in the report narrated by al-Lālakā’ī from ʿAlī ibn