Question 1: Where is Allah?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Question 2: What is the meaning of the 5th<\/sup> Aayah of Surah Taa-Haa: \u0671\u0644\u0631\u064e\u0651\u062d\u06e1\u0645\u064e\u0640\u0670\u0646\u064f \u0639\u064e\u0644\u064e\u0649 \u0671\u0644\u06e1\u0639\u064e\u0631\u06e1\u0634\u0650 \u0671\u0633\u06e1\u062a\u064e\u0648\u064e\u0649\u0670<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ar-Rahman (Allah, the All-Merciful), elevated over (Istaw\u00e2<\/strong>) the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty)<\/em>. (Surah Taa-Haa 20, Verse 5)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explanation: \ufdfd<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Islamic Theologians are of the consensus that Almighty Allah is not confined or restricted to a direction or space in any shape or form. Allah is unique and there is nothing that resembles Him or is similar to Him. Hence to attempt to understand Allah Ta\u2019ala based on our personal intellect<\/strong> is in essence failing to understand Him. Allah Ta\u2019ala says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u0644\u064a\u0633 \u0643\u0645\u062b\u0644\u0647 \u0634\u064a\u0621<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere is nothing like Him (Allah Ta\u2019ala)\u201d<\/em> (Surah ash-Shura, 11)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If someone describes Allah Ta\u2019ala as being similar to His creation, then that would constitute Kufr <\/em>(disbelief).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imam Tahawi Rahimahullah has stated: \u0648\u064e\u0645\u064e\u0646\u0652 \u0648\u064e\u0635\u064e\u0641\u064e \u0627\u0644\u0644\u064e\u0651\u0647\u064e \u062a\u064e\u0639\u064e\u0627\u0644\u064e\u0649 \u0628\u0640\u0650\u0645\u064e\u0639\u0652\u0646\u064e\u0649\u064b \u0645\u0650\u0646\u0652 \u0645\u064e\u0639\u064e\u0627\u0646\u0650\u064a \u0627\u0644\u0628\u064e\u0634\u064e\u0631\u0650 \u0641\u064e\u0642\u064e\u062f\u0652 \u0643\u064e\u0641\u064e\u0631\u064e<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnyone who describes Allah as being in any way the same as a human being has committed Kufr (disbelief)\u201d <\/em>(Aqeedah Al-Tahawi)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n It is for this reason, Imam Malik ibn Anas Rahimahullah <\/a>replied angrily when asked about the nature of Istiwaa<\/em>, Allah\u2019s elevation over His throne:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u0627\u0644\u0627\u0633\u062a\u0648\u0627\u0621 \u0645\u0639\u0644\u0648\u0645\u060c \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0643\u064a\u0641 \u0645\u062c\u0647\u0648\u0644\u060c \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0625\u064a\u0645\u0627\u0646\u064f \u0628\u0647 \u0648\u0627\u062c\u0650\u0628\u060c \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0633\u0624\u0627\u0644\u064f \u0639\u0646\u0647 \u0628\u062f\u0639\u0629<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHis Istiwaa<\/em> (elevation) is known, the nature is inconceivable, believing in it is obligatory and asking about it is a Bid\u2019ah (sinful innovation)<\/strong>.\u201d He then said to the questioner, \u201cI fear you are a deviant.\u201d He then instructed his companions to escort the individual out. [AlDurr AlManthoor p.170 vol. 3, Jalaluddeen Al Sayuti, Dar AlKutub Al Ilmiyah, Beirut]\n\n\n\n Imaam Jaaluddin As-Suyyuti also comments in his famous Tafseer on the verse: \u0671\u0644\u0631\u064e\u0651\u062d\u06e1\u0645\u064e\u0640\u0670\u0646\u064f \u0639\u064e\u0644\u064e\u0649 \u0671\u0644\u06e1\u0639\u064e\u0631\u06e1\u0634\u0650 \u0671\u0633\u06e1\u062a\u064e\u0648\u064e\u0649<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHis Istawaa (being above) is according to whatever is appropriate for Allah<\/strong>.\u201d (Tafseer Jalaalayn vol. 2 p. 260).<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is an established belief of the Muslims that Allah Ta\u2019ala is not contained by place or time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imam Abu Hanifa Rahimahullah has stated: \u0644\u0627 \u062d\u062f\u0651 \u0644\u0647<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe (Allah) does not have limits\u201d (Al-Fiqh al-Akbar)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Allah Ta\u2019ala is the creator of time and space. If we limit Allah Ta\u2019ala to time or space, then this would imply that we are equating Him to His creation, because that which exists in a place, by nature, will have a body; thus, attributing a body to Allah Ta\u2019ala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imam Tahawi Rahimahullah states:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u0648\u062a\u0639\u0627\u0644\u0649 \u0639\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u062d\u062f\u0648\u062f \u0648\u0627\u0644\u063a\u0627\u064a\u0627\u062a \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0623\u0631\u0643\u0627\u0646 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0623\u0639\u0636\u0627\u0621 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u0623\u062f\u0648\u0627\u062a \u0644\u0627 \u062a\u062d\u0648\u064a\u0647 \u0627\u0644\u062c\u0647\u0627\u062a \u0627\u0644\u0633\u062a \u0643\u0633\u0627\u0626\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0628\u062a\u062f\u0639\u0627\u062a<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe (Allah) is beyond having limits placed on Him, or being restricted, or having parts or limbs. Nor is He contained by the six directions like all created things are.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u0645\u064f\u062d\u064a\u0637\u064c \u0628\u0640\u0650\u0643\u064f\u0644\u0650\u0651 \u0634\u064e\u064a\u0652\u0621\u064d \u0648\u064e\u0628\u0640\u0650\u0645\u0627 \u0641\u064e\u0648\u0652\u0642\u064e\u0647\u064f\u060c \u0642\u064e\u062f\u0652 \u0623\u064e\u0639\u0652\u062c\u064e\u0632\u064e \u0639\u064e\u0646\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0625\u0650\u062d\u0627\u0637\u064e\u0629\u0650 \u062e\u064e\u0644\u0652\u0642\u064e\u0647\u064f<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe encompasses all things and that which is above it, and what He has created is incapable of encompassing Him\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Allah Ta\u2019ala is not a body, nor is He a matter that has a mass and occupies space. Allah Ta\u2019ala is The Creator of mass, matter, bodies and physics. Attributing Allah Ta\u2019ala with a body or similar to a body or limb is Kufr<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Likewise, to say that Allah is on the earth, sky, heavens, throne, etc. is also wrong, as all these things are limited; and to limit Allah Ta\u2019ala to any created thing is Kufr. Imam Tahawi states:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u0648\u064e\u0647\u064f\u0648\u064e \u0639\u064e\u0632\u064e\u0651 \u0648\u064e\u062c\u064e\u0644\u064e\u0651 \u0645\u064f\u0633\u0652\u062a\u064e\u063a\u0652\u0646\u064d \u0639\u064e\u0646\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u064e\u0631\u0652\u0634\u0650 \u0648\u064e\u0645\u0627 \u062f\u0648\u0646\u064e\u0647\u064f\u060c<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n He is independent of the Throne and that which is with it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: \u0643\u0627\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0644\u0647 \u0648\u0644\u0645 \u064a\u0643\u0646 \u0634\u064a\u0621 \u063a\u064a\u0631\u064f\u0647<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAllah Ta\u2019ala eternally existed and there was nothing else\u201d (<\/em>Bukhari, #3019<\/em>)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This Hadith proves that Allah Ta\u2019ala was alone, before creating any of the creation. There was nothing with Him: no place, no space, no sky, no light, and no darkness. Hence, it is impossible that after having been existing without a place, He would later be confined to space, like the throne. Therefore, Allah Ta\u2019ala cannot be confined to His throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, we believe in what Allah Ta\u2019ala intended by the word Istiwaa, however we don\u2019t take it on its literal meaning i.e. sitting like we sit. This is because the person sitting on something becomes dependent on that thing and similarly by saying that Allah Ta\u2019ala is sitting on His throne like we sit, it implies that Allah Ta\u2019ala is confined to a place, which is impossible. Allah Ta\u2019ala exists without place and time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imam Bayhaqi Rahimahullah, the great Hadith scholar and theologian, stated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Beginningless Eternal One (al-Qadim) is elevated over his throne but neither sitting, nor standing, not in contact with, not separate from the throne\u2026 For \u2018contact\u2019 and its opposite: \u2019separation\u2019, \u2019standing\u2019 and its opposite: \u2019sitting\u2019, are characteristics of created bodies.\u201d [Kitab al-Asma\u2019 was- Sifat]\n\n\n\n Imam Ibn Hajar `Asqalani Rahimahullah similarly cites Ibn Battal, stating that the belief that Allah sits on the throne is a position held by the anthropomorphists. [Fath al-Bari]\n\n\n\n This is because \u201csitting\u201d entails contact between two objects and \u201ccontact\u201d only arises between objects that possess limits and extents, which in turn is indicative of these objects being created. Thus, we find Imam Tahawi stating clearly, \u201cHe is beyond having limits placed on Him.\u201d [`Aqida al-Tahawiyya]\n\n\n\n In finishing, we assert that Allah Ta\u2019ala is elevated over His throne above His creation, in a manner that befits His sublime and transcendent Essence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, ponder over the following Hadith in Sahih Muslim:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Abu Huraira (RadhiAllahuAnhu) narrates that the Messenger of Allah \ufdfa said: \u201cPeople will continue to question one another until this is asked, \u2018Allah created all things but who created Allah\u2019? Whoever He finds himself confronted with such a situation [doubts] should say, \u2018I affirm my belief in Allah\u2019. And in another narration: \u2018He should seek refuge in Allah and keep away (from such idle thoughts)\u2019. (Sahih Muslim)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: One should avoid mixing with such people who promote these types of questions and doubts, as they continuously confuse the general masses.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And Allah Ta\u2019\u0101la Knows Best<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mufti Khaleel Ali<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Darul Iftaa, Jaamia Madinatul Uloom (Trinidad)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n www.fatwa-tt.com<\/strong><\/a> \/<\/strong>www.jaamia.net<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Question 1: Where is Allah? Question 2: What is the meaning of the 5th Aayah of Surah Taa-Haa:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2354,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aqidah","category-social-issues"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fatwa-tt.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fatwa-tt.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fatwa-tt.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fatwa-tt.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fatwa-tt.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2864"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fatwa-tt.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2864\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fatwa-tt.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2354"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fatwa-tt.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fatwa-tt.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fatwa-tt.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}