there according to the merit of their deeds. Then, at a time corresponding to Friday in this world, they are granted permission to visit their Lord. He brings forth His Throne for them and manifests Himself to them in one of the gardens of Paradise. Pulpits of light, pearls, rubies, chrysolite, gold and silver are set out for them. Those of the lowest rank—though none among them is lowly—sit upon dunes of musk and camphor. They do not consider those seated on chairs to have better seats than theirs.”
Abū Hurayrah said: “I asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, will we see our Lord, Mighty and Majestic?’
“He replied, ‘Yes. Do you have any doubt about seeing the sun, or the moon on the night when it is full?’
“We said, ‘No.’
“He said, ‘Likewise, you will have no doubt about seeing your Lord, Blessed and Exalted. No one in that gathering—meaning, no man—will be left without Allah addressing him directly. He will even say to a man among them: “O so-and-so, son of so-and-so, do you remember the day you said such-and-such?”—reminding him of some of his acts of betrayal in this world.
“‘The man will say, “My Lord, did You not forgive me?”
“‘He will reply, “Indeed. It is through the vastness of My forgiveness that you have attained this station.”
“‘While they are thus gathered, a cloud will cover them from above and rain down upon them perfume whose fragrance they have never encountered before. Our Lord will say, “Rise and go to the honours I have prepared for you, and take whatever you desire.”
“‘We will then come to a marketplace surrounded by angels, containing things the like of which eyes have never seen, ears have never heard, and hearts have never imagined. Whatever we desire will be carried for us; nothing there is bought or sold. In that marketplace, the people of Paradise will meet one another.’
“He said, ‘A man of high rank will approach and meet someone of a lower rank—though none among them is lowly—who will be dazzled by the clothes he is wearing. Before their conversation has ended, something finer still will appear to him. This is because no one should experience sorrow there. Then we will return to our dwellings, and our wives will come out to meet us