And the same applies to His words, exalted is He:

“You do not hold Allah in due reverence” (13) [Nūh 13].

They said that one does not say, “I hoped in you,” meaning “I feared you,” when there is no negation. Thus, “hope” cannot bear that meaning in the passage cited, and this interpretation is therefore unsound here.

The thirteenth point: Allah’s power, irresistible dominion, and severity often become manifest in this world, so that a servant becomes certain that there is no refuge except with Him, that none but He can relieve his distress, and that nothing besides Allah can avail him. This happens, for example, when travelling by sea as it grows rough, and during other grave hardships. Yet this is never called meeting Allah, exalted is He. If “meeting” referred to His power, irresistible dominion, and severity, this would have been called meeting Allah, either literally or figuratively. But that is not the case. Allah, exalted is He, says:

“Among His signs are the ships on the sea, like mountains (32). If He wills, He stills the wind, leaving them motionless upon its surface. Surely in this are signs for everyone steadfast and grateful (33). Or He destroys them because of what those aboard have earned, though He pardons much (34). And those who dispute Our signs will know that they have no escape (35)” [al-Shūrā 32–35].

The fourteenth point: His statement, “When a man comes into a king’s presence and meets him, he falls under his dominion and authority, with no means of