so they will not see Him thereafter. This is the view of Abū Bakr ibn Khuzaymah, one of the leading scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah. Al-Qādī Abū Ya‘lā mentioned a similar view in connection with the well-known hadith concerning His coming—glorified and exalted is He—to them at the place of gathering.

Third: The unbelievers will see Him in a way that brings recognition and torment—as when a thief sees the ruler. Then He will veil Himself from them, increasing their torment and intensifying their punishment. This is the view of Abū al-Hasan ibn Sālim and his followers, as well as others. In matters of creed, they affiliate themselves with Imām Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Sahl ibn Abd Allāh al-Tustarī.

This is also the implication of the view of those who interpret “meeting” in Allah’s Book as seeing Him. A group of scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah, including Imām Abū Abd Allāh ibn Battah, said that “meeting” signifies seeing and beholding directly in the following words of Allah:

“Those who disbelieve in the signs of their Lord and in meeting Him”;

“Whoever hopes to meet Allah—then surely Allah’s appointed time is coming”;

“It is indeed difficult except for the humble, who are certain that they will meet their Lord”;

“Those who were certain that they would meet Allah said”;

and “Lost indeed are those who deny the meeting with Allah.”

On this understanding, those who affirm this vision have cited as evidence His words—glorified and exalted is He:

“O mankind, you are surely labouring towards your Lord with great exertion, and you will meet Him.”

Some scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah have said that when “meeting” is coupled with a greeting, it signifies seeing. Ibn Battah said: “I heard Abū Umar al-Zāhid, the lexicographer, say: ‘I heard Abū al-Abbās Ahmad ibn Yahyā