Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Apart from the angels who record people’s deeds, there are other angels who roam the earth in search of the people of dhikr (remembrance of Allah). When they find a group of people engaged in dhikr, they call out to each other in a loud voice: ‘Come to what you seek!’ 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?
The angels: No.
Allah Almighty: If they were to see Me, (what would their behavior be)?
The angels: If they were to see You, they would be even more devoted and steadfast in praising, glorifying, and remembering You.
Allah Almighty: What is it that they are seeking?
The angels: They are asking for Paradise.
Allah Almighty: Have they seen Paradise?
The angels: No.
Allah Almighty: If they were to see Paradise?
The angels: If they were to see it, their eagerness and desire for it would increase.
Allah Almighty: From what are they seeking refuge?
The angels: From the Fire.
Allah Almighty: Have they seen the Fire?
The angels: No.
Allah Almighty: If they were to see the Fire?
The angels: If they were to see it, they would flee from it even more and would be even more fearful of it.
Allah Almighty: (O angels!) I make you witnesses that I have forgiven them.
The angels: Among them is so-and-so, who is a sinner; he only came for some need, and his intention was not to sit with them (so how has he been forgiven)?
Allah Almighty: They are such a people that even their companion is not deprived (of mercy).”