Q: Are there any references which say that the Companions differed in matters of 'Aqeedah (Creed), such as issues whether the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw his Lord on the night of Mi`raj (Ascension to Heaven) or the dead person hearing the living persons, etc.?
A: There was no difference or disagreement among the Companions or those following them from among Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim main body) with regard to the Islamic `Aqidah.
This is because they all believed in what is mentioned in the Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah. Moreover, they never introduced new practices into the religion. This was the reason for their unity and agreement on the same beliefs and the same method, acting upon Allah's Saying, "And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of All�h (i.e. this Qur‘�n), and be not divided among yourselves." [Surah Al-`Imran, 3: 103]
One of these beliefs is the belief that the believers will see their Lord on the Day of Resurrection, as all agree on this belief as is proven by the reported proof from the Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah. They never differed on such belief.
As for the difference and disagreement on the question whether the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw his Lord on the night of the Mi`raj with his physical eyes or not, there is a disagreement on a particular event in this life, not a disagreement on seeing Allah (Exalted be He) on the Day of Resurrection. The majority of scholars are of the opinion that the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw his Lord with his insight, not with his eyes. This is because when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about this point, he said, ’Light, how could I see Him.“ Thus, the Prophet (peace be upon him) negated seeing his Lord in this situation out of the light which prevented him from seeing his Lord.
Also, scholars unanimously agree that no one can see his Lord in the life of this world, as mentioned in the Prophetic Hadith, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, No one of you shall see his Lord until he dies. (Related by Muslim). It is worth mentioning that our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is excluded from this rule, as he saw his Lord, but not in this way.
May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!
Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta'
Member Member Member Chairman
Bakr Abu Zayd Salih Al-Fawzan `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah Al Al-Shaykh
Permanent Committee Fatwas Volume 1: (`Aqidah) > Tawhid-ul-Uluhiyyah > Sahabah differing regarding `Aqidah Fatwa no. 21008
