“Come to what you are seeking!” They then gather round those people—meaning, they encircle them (1). When the gathering disperses, the angels ascend to heaven. Allah, exalted is He, asks, “What did you leave My servants doing?” They answer, “We left them praising You, glorifying You, and remembering You.” He says, “Have they seen Me?” They reply, “No.” He says, “And how would it be if they had seen Me?” They say, “If they had seen You, they would praise, glorify, and remember You even more.”

He says, “What are they asking of Me?” They reply, “They are asking for Paradise.” He says, “Have they seen it?” They say, “No.” He says, “And how would it be if they had seen it?” They say, “If they had seen it, they would desire it more intensely and strive for it more eagerly.”

He says, “From what are they seeking refuge?” They reply, “They seek refuge from the Fire.” He says, “Have they seen it?” They say, “No.” He says, “And how would it be if they had seen it?” They say, “If they had seen it, they would flee from it all the more and be even more fearful and intent on seeking protection from it.”

He says, “I call you to witness that I have forgiven them.” They say, “Among them is so-and-so, a habitual sinner; he was not really one of them—he only came for some need.” He says, “They are a people whose companion will never be wretched in their company,” and he said it twice (2).

39 – Muhammad informed us; Hamad (3) reported to us; Ahmad (4) reported to us; ʿAmr ibn Hamdan (5) narrated to us;