What is meant by the Hadith: "I am as My servant expects Me to be"?

The meaning of the Qudsi Hadith, "I am as My servant thinks of Me," is that Allah recompenses His servant according to his thoughts of Him. If he thinks good and hopes for Allah's mercy and forgiveness, he will attain that. But if he despairs of Allah's mercy, then he will not hope for good.

Scholars believe that having a good opinion of Allah includes expecting mercy and forgiveness. During good health, fear and hope should be equal, or fear should be slightly preponderant. However, when death approaches, hope and a good opinion of Allah should prevail.

Having a good opinion of Allah also includes expecting a response when supplicating, acceptance when repenting, forgiveness when seeking pardon, and recompense when performing acts of worship according to their conditions.

A sin should not cause a servant to despair of having a good opinion of Allah. It is recommended to remind a sick person of his good deeds so that he may have a good opinion of his Lord when death approaches.