and like the finest horses and riding camels. Some will escape unharmed, some will be scratched but allowed to pass, and others will be hurled headlong into the Fire of Hell. Once the believers have been delivered from the Fire—by Him in Whose Hand is my soul—no one will plead more earnestly with Allah to secure a right in full than the believers will plead with Allah on the Day of Resurrection for their brothers who are in the Fire.’”
This hadith contains evidence that they saw Him the first time before He said, “Let every community follow what it used to worship.” This is the general “first vision” mentioned in the account of the “first vision” narrated from Abū Hurayrah. In that hadith, he related the vision and the meeting; only afterwards does He say, “Let every community follow what it used to worship.”
A similar account also appears in an authentic hadith narrated by al-‘Alā’ from his father, from Abū Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
“Allah will gather the people on the Day of Resurrection on a single plain. Then the Lord of the worlds will appear to them and say, ‘Will the people not follow what they used to worship?’ The cross will be made to appear to its worshipper, fire to its worshipper, and the image to its worshipper. They will follow what they used to worship.
“The Muslims will remain, and the Lord of the worlds will appear to them and say, ‘Will you not follow the people?’
“They will reply, ‘We seek refuge in Allah from You! Allah is our Lord, and we will remain here until we see our Lord.’ He will be commanding them and making them steadfast.
“Then He will withdraw from sight and appear again, saying, ‘Will you not follow the people?’
“They will reply, ‘We seek refuge in Allah from You! Allah is our Lord, and we will remain here until we see our Lord.’ He will make them steadfast.
“They asked, ‘Will we see Him, Messenger of Allah?’
“He replied, ‘You will have no doubt about seeing Him at that moment. Then He will withdraw from sight and appear to them again, making Himself known to them. He will then say, “I am your Lord, so follow Me.” The Muslims will rise, and the Bridge will be laid.’”