Suhayb Al-Rumi (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

This magnificent story takes us on a journey to the highest and greatest bliss in Paradise—a bliss that no other bliss can equal, and a pleasure that no other pleasure can rival. It is the story of the believers seeing their Lord in Paradise, the vision that is the greatest reward and most honorable gift, granted to the people of faith after they have entered Paradise and settled in it. They receive what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and what has never occurred to the heart of any human.

At that great moment, Allah, the Exalted, surprises them with the greatest gift: He lifts the veil between Him and them. They look upon His Noble Face, and they forget all the bliss they were in. They are stunned by this unique moment they have longed for and yearned for. They realize that this is the “increase” that was promised to them in the verse: {For those who do good is the best reward and even more} [Yunus: 26]. The Prophet ﷺ explained that this “increase” is the vision of Allah’s Noble Face.

The Prophet ﷺ described this moment, saying: “You will see your Lord as you see the full moon on a clear night, with no difficulty in seeing Him” (Agreed upon). This means that the vision of Allah will be clear and evident, free from any doubt or ambiguity, just as you see the full moon without any strain or hardship.

In Paradise, people will differ in their vision of Allah according to their ranks and closeness to Him. Some will see Him every day, some will see Him once a week, and some will see Him once a month, according to their deeds and ranks in Paradise. It is narrated that the lowest in rank among the people of Paradise will see Allah once a day, while the highest will see Him morning and evening, as Allah says: {Some faces that Day will be radiant, looking at their Lord} [Al-Qiyamah: 22-23].

The Prophet ﷺ was asked about this vision, and he said: “Do you have any difficulty in seeing the sun at midday when it is not cloudy?” They said: “No.” He said: “Do you have any difficulty in seeing the full moon on a clear night when it is not cloudy?” They said: “No.” He said: “You will see Him like that” (Agreed upon).

In this vision, the believers forget all the bliss of Paradise. Some of them would even say: “O Lord, put me in the Fire, but do not deprive me of looking at Your Face.” But Allah is too Generous to combine the Fire and deprivation for His servant.

Ibn Umar (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “The lowest in rank among the people of Paradise will be one who looks at his gardens, wives, and bliss stretching as far as a thousand years’ journey, while the most honored of them in the sight of Allah will be one who looks at His Face morning and evening” (Reported by Al-Tirmidhi).

Anas ibn Malik (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “While the people of Paradise are in their bliss, a light will shine for them. They will raise their heads, and behold, the Lord will look down upon them from above. He will say: ‘Peace be upon you, O people of Paradise.’ They will respond to His greeting. Then they will look at Him, and a light will fill them until they almost consume it. Then He will say: ‘Ask Me, I will give you.’ They will say: ‘Our Lord, what shall we ask of You when You have given us the bliss we have?’ He will say: ‘Ask Me, I will give you more.’ They will say: ‘We ask for Your pleasure.’ He will say: ‘My pleasure is that you dwell in My House, and I look at you.'”

O you who read this story, remember that the greatest bliss of Paradise is the vision of Allah. Strive to obey your Lord, increase in His remembrance and gratitude, and sincerely devote your deeds to Him, so that you may attain this great rank and see the Face of your Lord in Paradise.

We ask Allah to grant us the vision of His Noble Face in Paradise, and to make us among those who long for His meeting and whom He longs to meet. Indeed, He is All-Hearing, All-Responding.