Is interpreting "looking at her Lord" as "awaiting Allah's reward" linguistically correct, and has this been transmitted from the majority of the Companions and their successors?
The interpretation of the noble verse "looking to their Lord" (Qur'an 75:23) as meaning they are awaiting reward is incorrect. This interpretation is not authentically reported from any of the Companions, nor from any of the Tabi'un, except for Mujahid, whose statement was refuted by established Sunnah and the consensus of the Companions and Tabi'un.
The correct meaning of the verse is the actual visual رؤية (seeing) of Allah Almighty. Numerous authentic hadiths from the Prophet (peace be upon him) have been transmitted in an uninterrupted succession (mutawatir) affirming that the believers will see their Lord in the Hereafter.
This is supported by the fact that when "naẓirah" (looking) is mentioned in conjunction with the face, its meaning shifts to seeing with the eyes. Furthermore, it is transitive with the preposition "ila" (to), indicating this meaning.
This meaning is also supported by Allah's statement: "Nay! Verily, from their Lord, on that Day, they will be veiled" (Qur'an 83:15). The veiling of the disbelievers indicates that the righteous will be granted the vision.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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