[al-Ahzāb 41–44]

Here, the believers’ meeting with their Lord is accompanied by honour and a greeting of peace. The word therefore cannot mean the manifestation of power, overwhelming force, and terrible might, for when the believers meet Him, nothing is manifested to them but mercy and goodness, not terrible might and severity. Similar to this are His words, Most High:

“And know that you will meet Him.” [al-Baqarah 223]

For the believers are not required to know that Allah will show them His mercy and honour.

The twelfth argument: His words, Most High:

“So whoever hopes to meet his Lord, let him do righteous deeds and associate no one in the worship of his Lord.” (110) [al-Kahf 110]

Hope cannot be directed towards something wholly unwelcome. If meeting meant the manifestation of overwhelming force and terrible might, it would not be something to hope for, but something to fear. It should therefore have said, “Whoever fears meeting his Lord.” Similar to this are His words:

“Indeed, those who do not hope to meet Us, who are content with the life of this world and feel secure in it.” [Yūnus 7]

And His words:

“When Our clear verses are recited to them, those who do not hope to meet Us say, ‘Bring a Quran other than this, or change it.’ Say, ‘It is not for me to change it of my own accord. I follow only what is revealed to me.’” [Yūnus 15]

And His words, Most High:

“Whoever hopes to meet Allah—indeed, the time appointed by Allah is surely coming.” [al-Ankabūt 5]