Fath al-Rabbani

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: In addition to the angels who record people’s deeds, there are other angels who roam the earth in search of the people of remembrance (dhikr). When they find a group engaged in remembrance, they call out to one another in a loud voice: “Come to your objective!” So they come and surround them up to the lowest heaven. (When these angels return,) Allah Almighty asks: “When you left My servants, what were they doing?” They say: “When we left them, they were praising You, declaring Your greatness, and remembering You.” (For ease, the conversation between Allah Almighty and the angels is presented in dialogue form):

Allah Almighty: “Have they seen Me?”
Angels: “No.”
Allah Almighty: “If they were to see Me, (how would they behave)?”
Angels: “If they were to see You, they would be even more intense and steadfast in praising, glorifying, and remembering You.”
Allah Almighty: “What is it that they are seeking?”
Angels: “They are asking for Paradise.”
Allah Almighty: “Have they seen Paradise?”
Angels: “No.”
Allah Almighty: “If they were to see Paradise, then?”
Angels: “If they were to see Paradise, their eagerness and desire for it would increase.”
Allah Almighty: “From what are they seeking refuge?”
Angels: “From the Fire.”
Allah Almighty: “Have they seen the Fire?”
Angels: “No.”
Allah Almighty: “If they were to see the Fire, then?”
Angels: “If they were to see it, they would flee from it even more intensely and would fear it even more.”
Allah Almighty: “(O angels!) I make you witnesses that I have forgiven them.”
Angels: “Among them is such-and-such a person who is a great sinner; he only came for some need, his intention was not to sit with them (so how was he forgiven)?”
Allah Almighty: “They are such a people that even their companion does not remain deprived.”