the full moon—a direct, unmistakable sight. Likewise, we shall behold our Lord, glorified and exalted, just as we see that moon: a real vision with the physical eye, free from any confusion.
Know that the most exquisite and delightful bliss enjoyed by the people of Paradise—may Allah make me and you among them—is to gaze upon the Face of Allah; nothing can equal it. For that reason He, exalted is He, said: “For those who do good is the best reward, and even more besides” (Qur’an 10:26). The Prophet ﷺ explained that this “something extra” is the privilege of beholding the Face of Allah. The term al-ḥusnā is the feminine superlative, whose masculine counterpart is aḥsan; the “extra” beyond what is already the best is therefore the vision of Allah’s noble Face.
Accordingly, when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ mentioned that we will see our Lord as clearly as we see the full moon, he added: “If you can manage not to be deprived of a prayer before sunrise and a prayer before sunset, then do so.” His words “not to be deprived of a prayer” mean that you should perform both of them perfectly—and that includes offering them in congregation. If you are able not to fall short in this, then persevere.
This ḥadith proves that diligently observing the dawn and afternoon prayers is one of the causes that will enable a person to gaze upon the Face of Allah—what a magnificent reward! Guard the dawn and afternoon prayers, and you will look upon the Face of Allah on the Day of Resurrection, in the gardens of bliss.
- Among the particular merits of the afternoon prayer is that whoever abandons it has his deeds rendered null, because of its immense status. On that basis some