he does not follow the truth even concerning what the Quran indicates. His approach thus obstructs Allah’s path and prevents people from following what the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) brought. For this can only be established through transmitted reports and the meanings conveyed by words, and he constantly impugns both methods. We have also discussed his statements concerning the meanings conveyed by words elsewhere.

We shall, Allah willing, present these two hadiths, their chains of transmission, and their wording. These two reports, however, concern Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) seeing his Lord, since both mention this. Reports on this matter have been transmitted from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions that are cited in support of both affirmation and denial. The early generations therefore disagreed on this question, but they did not disagree about seeing Allah Most High in the Hereafter, as will become clear in the words of Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him).

Imam Abū Bakr ibn Khuzaymah said:

Chapter: Reports Narrated from ‘Ā’ishah Concerning Her Denial That the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) Saw His Lord before Death Came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)