LessonsVision of God: Possibility, Evidence, Objections and TranscendenceQuiz

رَبِّ أَرِنِي أَنْظُرْ إِلَيْكَ
My Lord, show me, so that I may look at You. (Qur’an 7:143)

Moses asks, “My Lord, show me, that I may look at You.” The argument is that a prophet’s asking God for something self-evidently and rationally impossible would not fit prophetic knowledge. The request is therefore treated as evidence for the basic possibility of vision.

The opposing interpretation offers other readings: for example, a request made on behalf of his people to establish an argument, or a request for knowledge rather than visual apprehension. Context and the usage of “looking” must be considered when assessing these interpretations.

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Moses’ request as a rational and scriptural argument

Vision of God: Possibility, Evidence, Objections and Transcendence

رَبِّ أَرِنِي أَنْظُرْ إِلَيْكَ
My Lord, show me, so that I may look at You. (Qur’an 7:143)

Moses asks, “My Lord, show me, that I may look at You.” The argument is that a prophet’s asking God for something self-evidently and rationally impossible would not fit prophetic knowledge. The request is therefore treated as evidence for the basic possibility of vision.

The opposing interpretation offers other readings: for example, a request made on behalf of his people to establish an argument, or a request for knowledge rather than visual apprehension. Context and the usage of “looking” must be considered when assessing these interpretations.