Majma al-Zawaid — Hadith 3887

Hibban Abu al-Nadr narrates: I went with Sayyiduna Wathilah bin al-Asqa' (may Allah be pleased with him) to visit Abu al-Aswad al-Jurashi. This was during his illness in which he passed away. He greeted us with salam and sat down. Abu al-Aswad took hold of Sayyiduna Wathilah's hand and passed that hand over his eyes and his face. The reason for this was that Sayyiduna Wathilah had pledged allegiance at the blessed hand of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The narrator says: Sayyiduna Wathilah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "There is one thing I want to ask about." He said: "What is that thing?" Sayyiduna Wathilah (may Allah be pleased with him) asked: "What is your opinion (expectation) of your Lord?" Abu al-Aswad gestured with his head in reply, meaning that it (his expectation) was good. Then Sayyiduna Wathilah said: "Receive the glad tidings, for I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) say: 'Allah Almighty says: I am as My servant expects of Me, so let him think of Me whatever he wishes.'"
Ahmad and al-Tabarani in al-Mu'jam al-Awsat recorded it. The narrators of Ahmad are thiqat (trustworthy).