Will we see Allah on the day of judgement?

In a Nutshell: The question of whether we will see Allah on the Day of Judgement has no definitive answer appearing in the Quran or Hadith that explicitly states seeing Allah in the same way we see things in this world. However, Islamic scholarship explores various interpretations of Quranic verses and Hadiths, offering different perspectives on the possibility of witnessing the Divine on that momentous Day. Table of Contents In a Nutshell Introduction Evidences Will We See Allah on the Day of Judgement? Misconceptions About Seeing Allah Objections to the Possibility of Seeing Allah FAQs: Seeing Allah on the Day of Judgement Conclusion Introduction The Day of Judgement, a pivotal event in Islamic belief, signifies the resurrection of humanity, the reckoning of deeds and the ultimate judgement by Allah (swt). Many Muslims contemplate the nature of this Day, including whether they will be granted the opportunity to see Allah (swt) with their physical eyes. This answer explores the Islamic perspective on this question, examining Quranic verses, Hadiths and the insights of Islamic scholars. Evidences Quranic Verses [Nor will they see their Lord that Day] (Quran 75:23) - This verse is often cited as evidence that seeing Allah (swt) is not possible. Faces will be radiant that Day, looking to their Lord. (Quran 75:22-23) - This verse suggests a form of witnessing Allah (swt) on the Day of Judgement. Hadiths: None of you will see Me until you die. (Sahih Muslim) - This Hadith indicates that seeing Allah (swt) will not occur in this worldly life. On the Day of Judgement, the believers will see their Lord as clearly as they see the full moon and there will be no argument about it. (Sahih Bukhari) - This Hadith suggests a possibility of visual perception of Allah (swt) in the afterlife. Companions' Opinions Imam Ali (ra) is reported to have said, You will not see Him with your physical eyes in this world, but you will see Him with the eyes of your hearts in the Hereafter. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir) Traditional Scholars' Quotes Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (ra) explains the Hadith about seeing the moon metaphorically, suggesting a spiritual understanding rather than physical sight. (Tafsir Ibn Taymiyyah) Imam Ghazali (ra) discusses the limitations of human perception in this world and the possibility of a transformed sight in the Hereafter that allows for witnessing the Divine Essence. (Ihya Ulum al-Din) Will We See Allah on the Day of Judgement? The Quranic verses and Ahadith presented offer seemingly contrasting perspectives on seeing Allah (swt) on the Day of Judgement. This has led to various interpretations within Islamic jurisprudence. Three main viewpoints prevail: Impossibility of Sight: Scholars such as the Mu'tazilah and Ibn Taymiyyah (ra) maintain the impossibility of seeing Allah (swt), asserting that the Divine is beyond the limits of human perception. They emphasize the transcendence of Allah (swt) and interpret the Hadith about seeing the moon metaphorically. Possibility of Spiritual Seeing: Some scholars, including Imam al-Ash'ari (ra) and Imam al-Ghazali (ra), propose a form of seeing with the heart or spiritually on the Day of Judgement. They argue that the human faculties will be transformed in the Hereafter, allowing for a non-visual witnessing of Allah (swt). Possibility of Literal Seeing: Others, such as those adhering to the Athari school of thought, believe that seeing Allah (swt) on the Day of Judgement is possible, basing their interpretation upon the literal meaning of certain Ahadith. The varying viewpoints reflect the complexity and nuanced theological debates within Islamic scholarship. The lack of direct confirmation in the Quran and Hadith leaves room for interpretation and respectful disagreement among scholars. Importantly, regardless of the differences, all scholars emphasize the following aspects: Belief in Allah (swt) is a fundamental pillar of Islam. Allah (swt) is transcendent and unlike any of His creation. The Hereafter surpasses the limitations of the worldly realm. Ultimate knowledge of the precise nature of the Day of Judgement rests with Allah (swt). FAQs: Seeing Allah on the Day of Judgement Why can't we see Allah (swt) in this worldly life? Islamic belief maintains that Allah (swt) is beyond human comprehension and our faculties are limited to perceiving only this material realm. Will the disbelievers see Allah (swt) on the Day of Judgement? The Quran states that disbelievers will be veiled from seeing Allah (swt) on the Day of Judgement (Quran 83:15), a punishment for their rejection of faith. Does seeing Allah mean seeing Him as we see physical objects? No, scholars across various schools explain that the nature of seeing Allah (swt) is non-physical, emphasizing a comprehension beyond physical sight. Why is the topic of seeing Allah (swt) controversial? Different interpretations of Quranic verses and Ahadith within Islamic jurisprudence have led to multiple schools of thought with varying approaches to understanding this concept. Is it important to have a definitive answer about seeing Allah (swt) on the Day of Judgement? While a fascinating matter to contemplate, scholars emphasize that a definitive answer is less crucial than focusing on our relationship with Allah (swt) in this life, striving towards righteousness and having faith in the promise of the Hereafter. Misconceptions About Seeing Allah Allah (swt) has a physical form or location. Islam categorically rejects any notion of Allah (swt) resembling His creation, including a physical body or spatial location. Seeing Allah (swt) guarantees eternal Paradise. While it is considered a great blessing for the righteous, seeing Allah (swt) does not solely determine one's entry into Paradise. Good deeds, sincerity of faith and Allah's mercy are all essential factors. Seeing Allah (swt) will be like seeing physical objects. As previously discussed, the nature of seeing in the Hereafter is likely spiritual and beyond our current comprehension. The desire to see Allah (swt) contradicts true sincerity. Muslims long to witness Allah (swt) out of love and reverence, not as a worldly desire. This longing strengthens their faith and actions. All interpretations are equally valid. While Islam respects the scholarly discourse, some interpretations can deviate from the core principles of Islamic belief, such as those that anthropomorphize Allah (swt). Objections to the Possibility of Seeing Allah It contradicts Allah's (swt) absolute transcendence. This highlights the philosophical debate on the extent to which the Divine interacts within the realm of creation. There is no clear, definitive evidence in the Quran or Sunnah. The absence of an explicit textual statement leaves room for differing scholarly perspectives. Understanding it literally can lead to anthropomorphism. Attributing human qualities to Allah (swt) falls into grave theological error. It potentially reduces the significance of good deeds. Overemphasizing this aspect could undermine the importance of righteous actions as a pathway to Paradise. It delves into matters that may be beyond human comprehension. Some scholars argue the Day of Judgement involves realities beyond our current capacity to fully grasp. Conclusion The question of whether we will see Allah (swt) on the Day of Judgement reflects human curiosity about the nature of the Divine and the Hereafter. Islam underscores the transcendence of Allah (swt), acknowledging He is unlike anything in creation. The absence of a definitive Quranic verse or hadith allows for diverse scholarly interpretations, highlighting the rich intellectual tradition within Islamic jurisprudence. Ultimately, Muslims place their trust in Allah's (swt) promise of the Hereafter. While discussions about the possibility of seeing our Lord serve to deepen our faith and understanding, focusing on strengthening our relationship with Allah (swt) through righteous deeds and living a life aligned with Islamic values remains paramount. Our finite human minds may not fully grasp the mysteries of the Hereafter, but a sincere devotion to Allah (swt) serves as the best guide for the journey ahead.