that this vision of theirs means that on that Day they will know that they have a Lord, without any doubt assailing them concerning that. According to your claim, O al-Marīsī, it is as though they did not know in this world that He was their Lord, and would only become certain of Him in the Hereafter. This interpretation is closer to doubt than what you alleged the words of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, contained of doubt and associating partners with Allah. No, rather, it is disbelief, for all people, believers and disbelievers alike, will know that Day that Allah is their Lord. Do you not see that He says:

“We have seen and heard, so send us back, and we will do righteous deeds. We are now certain.” (12) [al-Sajdah 12]

Doubt concerning Allah lies in your interpretation of the vision, not in what the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said. Woe to you! Allah’s form neither changes nor alters; rather, He appears thus to their eyes that Day. Have you not read Allah’s Book:

“And when you met, He made them appear few in your eyes and made you appear few in theirs, so that Allah might accomplish a matter already decreed.” [al-Anfāl 44]

He does whatever He wills, just as He made Gabriel, peace be upon him, despite the immensity of his form and the grandeur of his creation, appear to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in the form of Dihyah al-Kalbī, and just as He made him appear to Mary as a human being