this world, so they believed in Him and affirmed the truth, and died and were resurrected holding to that belief. This does not mean that Allah changes from one form to another; rather, through His power, He makes it appear so to their eyes. This, O al-Marīsī, is not doubt on their part concerning the One they worship. Rather, it is an increase in their certainty and faith in Him on two occasions.

As Ibn Masʿūd, may Allah be pleased with him, related, He will say to them on the Day of Resurrection, “Do you recognize your Lord?” They will reply, “Yes. When He makes Himself known to us, we recognize Him.” They are saying, “We acknowledge lordship only for the One whom our hearts have known through the attributes He told us of in this world.” Then He reveals Himself to them in His form that they recognize. Upon seeing Him, their faith in Him and their certainty of His lordship increase, filling them with joy and tranquillity.

This is not a matter of doubt, as you have supposed. Rather, it is certainty upon certainty and faith upon faith. Instead, doubt and uncertainty lie entirely in your own claim, O al-Marīsī, in your interpretation of the vision. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “You will see your Lord on the Day of Resurrection, without being crowded together to see Him.” Yet you claimed