How can one reconcile Ibn Taymiyyah's saying that the deeds of the living are presented to the dead, and that they know yet do not know, with what has been reported that spirits ask the deceased about so-and-so's marriage, which suggests the deceased's lack of knowledge about the deeds of the living?

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah was asked about the knowledge of the dead regarding visits from the living and their awareness of the death of their relatives. He replied that narrations have indicated that the dead meet, question each other, and are shown the deeds of the living. He supported this with what Ibn al-Mubarak narrated from Abu Ayyub al-Ansari regarding the believers receiving the soul of their brother and questioning them about the living.

Shaykh al-Islam clarified that the presentation of deeds occurs either initially or through questioning, and both good and evil deeds are displayed. This happens when the newly deceased is asked about those they left behind in the world. He cited the marfu' hadith of Anas in Imam Ahmad’s Musnad, stating that the deeds of the living are shown to their relatives and kin among the dead. If the deeds are good, they rejoice; if otherwise, they supplicate for their guidance.

He pointed out that the presentation of deeds is not exhaustive, detailed, or constant, and knowledge beyond good and evil deeds is acquired through questioning.