AYAT UL KURSI

By Shaykh
Muhammad bin Saalih Al-’Uthaymeen

With Related Points of Benefit
From the Shaykh’s Commentary on
Imaam ibn Taymeeyah’s
Sharhul ’Aqeedatil-Waasitiyyah
Prepared by Dr. Saleh As-Saleh


All Praise is due to Allaah. We praise Him, and seek His help and forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allaah, Most High, from the evils of our own selves and from our wicked deeds. Whomever Allaah guides cannot be misguided, and whomever He leads astray cannot be guided. I testify that there is no true God worthy of being worshipped except Allaah, alone, without partner or associate. I further testify that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger (r).[1][1] May Allaah’s salaah and salaam also be granted to the Prophet’s pure family and to all of his noble companions.

O you who believe! Fear Allaah [by doing all that He ordered and abstaining from all that He forbade] as He should be feared [obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always] and die not except in a state of Islaam. [Qur’aan, Soorat Aal-’Imraan (3:102)].

O mankind! Be dutiful to your Rabb[2][2] [Allaah], Who created you from a single person [Adam] and from him [Adam] He created his wife [Eve], and from them both He created many men and women. And fear Allaah through Whom you demand your mutual [rights] and [do not cut the relations of] the wombs [kinship]. Surely, Allaah is ever an All-Watcher over you. [Qur’aan, Soorat An-Nisaa’ (4:1)].

O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him, and speak [always] the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allaah and His Messenger has indeed achieved a great success. [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Ahzaab (33:70-71)].
It proceeds that the most truthful speech is that of Allaah's Book [the Qur’aan] and that the best of guidance is that of Muhammad (r). The worst of evils are the muhdathaat (newly-invented matters [in the deen][3][3]), and every innovated matter (in the deen) is a bid’ah; every bid’ah is a dalaalah (misguidance), and every dalaalah is in the Fire of Hell.

INTRODUCTION

Know, O Muslims, may Allaah bestow upon us from His Mercy, that knowledge is the basis for the understanding and application of Islaamic principles and laws. This is in accordance with the sayings of Allaah, the Exalted:

So know [O! Muhammad r] that la ilaaha illaallaah [none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah]. [Qur’aan, Soorat Muhammad (47:19)].

In a related context, the Prophet (r) affirmed that:

"He upon whom Allaah intends goodness, He confers upon him a true understanding and keen insight into the deen," and [in the narration by Imaam Al-Bukhaari], he (r) said: "Truly knowledge is attained by learning."[4][4]

Imaam Al-Bukhaari commented: “So Allaah stated that one should acquire knowledge first, and scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets (i.e. they inherit knowledge).” He added: “It is essential to know a thing first before saying or acting upon it.”[5][5]

Imaam ibnul Qayyim said: “The salaf did not generalize the name “fiqh” except on the knowledge which is associated with action.” He further added: “al-’ilm imaamul-'amal (Knowledge is the Imaam of actions) and its leader, and al-’amal is adherent to knowledge and is led by it. Every action which is not led by knowledge is of no benefit for the one who initiates it. On the contrary, it inflicts harm upon him, just as some of the salaf said “Whoever worships Allaah without knowledge, the mischief he causes is more than the goodness he may bring about.” He also stressed that: “Deeds vary with respect to their acceptance or rejection respectively depending upon their adherence or opposition to knowledge. Action which is in accordance with ‘ilm is an approved thing, and what opposes al-’ilm is repudiated. Knowledge, therefore, is the measure and is the test. Allaah said:

[Blessed be Allaah] Who has created death that He may test you as to which of you is best in deeds, and He is al-’Azeez [Who subdues everthing by His Might; the Mighty in His Revenge; the Unapproachable, none will prevail against Him; none is like unto Him], al-Ghafoor [The One Who is Oft-Forgiving]. [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Mulk (67:2)].

Al-Fudail bin ‘Iyaad explained that, “The best of deeds are those which are done with sincerity [seeking Allaah’s Face] and are upright.” They said, “What is considered sincere and right of the deeds?” He replied, “Deeds which are sincere but not correct are not accepted, and if they are correct but not sincere then they are also not accepted, until they are sincere and right. In order to be sincere, they must be done for Allaah alone, and for them to be correct, they must comply with the [authentic] sunnah. Indeed Allaah, Most High, says:

Whoever hopes for the meeting of his Rabb let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Rabb [Allaah]. [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Kahf (18:110)].

The doer will not be able to act in a way which comprises both qualities (sincerity and rightness) except by the way of knowledge. For if he does not know what the Messenger (r) brought, he will not be able to follow him in the straight way. On the other hand, if he does not know of the One Who deserves to worshipped alone [Allaah], he will be unable to seek Him solely.”[6][6]

In the absolute sense, what is meant by al-’ilm (knowledge) is the Islaamic knowledge, based upon kitaabullaah [the Book of Allaah, the Qur’aan], and the authentic sunnah in accordance with the understanding and methodology (manhaj) of as-salaf as-saalih Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez bin Baaz (hafithahullaah: May Allaah preserve him) explained: “When generalized, al-’ilm, pertains to the intended knowledge in the Book of Allaah and the sunnah of His Messenger (r). It is knowledge of Allaah, His Names and Attributes, knowledge of His rights over His creation, and what He I (subhaanahu wata’aala: Far is He removed from every imperfection, the Most High) has prescribed for them. And it is the detailed knowledge of the path that leads to Allaah; knowledge of the purpose of our creation, and the final outcome, in the Hereafter, which the ‘ibaad[7][7] will ultimately wind up in...It is of the duty of taalib al-’ilm (the student seeking knowledge) to understand and study the deen, to learn and reflect upon what Allaah has prescribed, to know the authentic salafi ‘aqeedah which the Prophet (r) was upon, his companions, and their follower in righteousness...”[8][8]

The greatest, most excellent “and most honorable knowledge is that of Allaah, Most High, His Names, Attributes, and Actions, the knowledge of His deen and of His Messenger (r) with love and magnification, being pleased with it all.”[9][9]

The ranks of people with respect to this knowledge varies to a great extent. “Some people know of Allaah by virtue of His Generosity, Bounties, and Favors, others know of Him through His Forgiveness, Clemency, and Pardoning, others through His Knowledge and Wisdom, others recognize Him by His Might and Majesty, others by His Mercy, Goodness, Kindness, and Courtesy, others by His Subduing and Sovereignty, and others by the fact that He answers their supplications, and fulfills their needs, and relieves their grief.

The one who is most comprehensive in his knowledge of Allaah, knows of Him by means of His own Words. He knows a Rabb to whom belongs the Most Majestic and Perfect Attributes. Far is He removed from having anything comparable to Him or any equal; free from all kinds of defects and imperfections; qualified with every beautiful Name and every perfect Attribute; Doer of what He intends (wills); Above everything [istawaa (ascended) upon the ‘arsh above the seven heavens] and with everything [He encompasses everything with His Knowledge, Ability, Authority, and so forth from the meanings of His ruboobiyyah, while He is the Most High, above everything]; the One who is Able to do everything; the One Who manages the affairs of everything. He commands and forbids. He speaks the legislative (deeniyyah)[10][10] and universal (kawniyyah)[11][11] words. He is Greater than everything, and He is the Most Beautiful. the Most Merciful, the All-Able, the All-Wise.

Allaah, Most High, sent down the Qur’aan in order to inform His ‘ibaad about Himself, so that they know of Him, of the way that leads to Him, and of the status of travellers to Him after their arrival.”[12][12]

One of the great suwar [plural of soorah (chapter)] of the Qur’aan that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (r) is soorat al-baqarah (The second soorah of the Qur’aan). In it is an aayah (verse) in which Allaah, the Exalted, Speaks about Himself and His Attributes. This aayah is aayatul-kursi, which is highly distinguished because:

(1)(1) The Prophet (r) described as the greatest aayah in the Qur’aan.

(2) In it the Most Great Name of Allaah (ismullaahi al-’atham) is mentioned.

(3) It protects from the shayateen (sing. shaytaan).[13][13]

(4) The believer who recites it following an obligatory salaah is under the Care and Protection of Allaah until the commencement of the next prayer.[14][14]

(5) “The one who recites it after each of the obligatory prayers, then death will be the only thing [i.e. barrier] preventing him from entering al-Jannah.”[15][15]

Shaykh-ul-Islaam ibn Taymeeyah said: “There is no single aayah in the Qur’aan which includes that which is comprised in aayatul-kursi.”[16][16]

Because of the great importance of this aayah, I have decided, after making istikhaarah[17][17]to introduce the english-speaking Muslim communities to the salaf’s tasfeer of the Words of Allaah in this noble aayah. In this regard, I found that an excellent summarized explanation of its meaning by Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah protect Him) was published by Daar ibnul-Jawzi in Dammaam, KSA. I chose it because of the many major points of benefit it contains. Many other related beneficial points from the Shaykh’s discussions in other books or treatises[18][18] and from other discussions by the great salafi scholars are introduced.

I ask Allaah, Most High, to make this effort sincerely for His Majestic Face, and that He grant the best reward to its author and the salafi scholars, and that He grants us a share of the reward for it, and that He makes it a benefit for all Muslims.

The slave of Allaah
Saleh As-Saleh
P.O. Box 3228
‘Unayzah, 81888
KSA


The Words of Allaah in Aayatul Kursi
and the Translation of Their Meanings,



Allaah! [none has the right to be worshipped but He], the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber, nor sleep overtake Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them [His creatures] in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, above everything, the Most Great.


Tafseer Aayatul Kursi
Prelude

All Praise is due to Allaah, the Rabb of al-’aalameen (creation). I supplicate Allaah to have His salaah and salaam upon our Prophet Muhammad, his household, and all of his companions.

It Proceeds that this [treatise] is the tafseer of aayatul kursi [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Baqarah (2:255)] presented together with points of benefit deduced from it in the course of establishing its explanation.

We ask Allaah تعالى to make us benefit from the knowledge which He bestowed upon us, certainly He is Al-Jawaad (the One Who grants generously and loves generosity), Al-Kareem (the One Who is Bountiful and Gracious, and loves graciousness), Al-Barr,[19][19] Ar-Raheem (the One Who is Most Merciful).


Muhammad ibn Saalih Al-’Uthaymeen.[In the Name of Allaah,[20][20] ar-Rahmaan[21][21] ar-Raheem[22][22]—I begin to write:][23][23]
[1][1]r (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam): The salaah and salaam of Allaah be upon His Prophet Muhammad. The salaah of Allaah upon Prophet Muhammad is His Praise of the Prophet before the angels who are close to (but below) Allaah, the Most High, who istawaa (ascended) upon His ‘arsh (Throne), which is above the seven heavens, in a manner that suits His Majesty. The angels also praise the Prophet (r). The salaam is Allaah’s safeguarding of the Prophet (r) from deficiencies and any kind of evil, and the protection of the Message with which he was etrusted. When the Muslim says r (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), he invokes Allaah to grant His Praise and Security to Prophet Muhammad and the protection of the Message of Islaam which was revealed to him (r). [See Ibnul Qayyim’s Jalaa’ul Afhaam fee Fadlis-Salaati-wa-Salaam ‘alaa Muhammadin Khairil Anaam, [Damascus, Syria: Daar ibn Katheer, and Al-Madeenah, Saudi Arabia: Daar at-Turaath, ‎1408/1988], p. 128.
[2][2]Rabb: Allaah is Ar-Rabb. He is the One Who gave all things the power to grow, to move and to change, to Whom belongs the Creation and Commandment; the Master Who has no equal in His Sovereignty, Predominance, and Highness, The One Who Provides for and Sustains all that exists.
[3][3]Deen: The practical and doctrinal aspects of deen are more comprehensive than the Western concept of religion. The deen of Islaam is the way of life prescribed by Allaah.
[4][4]Reported by Al-Bukhaari, Saheeh Al-Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 2, p. 59, and by Muslim in his Saheeh (English Translation), vol. 2, no. 2258.
[5][5]See Saheeh Al-Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 2, chapter 11, p. 59.
[6][6]Imaam Ibnul Qayyim in his book Muftaah Daarus Sa’aadah [al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia: Daar Ibn ‘Affaan (1st.ed; checked by Shaykh ‘Ali Hasan ‘Abdul Hameed al-Halabi al-Athari), 1416/1966], vol. 1, pp. 301-303.
[7][7]’Ibaad (sing.‘abd, lit. “slave”). When generalized, ‘ibaad includes the believers and none-believers, the righteous and the wicked. This is the universal kind of ‘uboodiyyah (slavery) pertaining to the ruboobiyyah of Allaah (He is the Rabb of all that exists). Accordingly, it is the submission to the what Allaah has commanded and decreed in the creation, and this kind of submission is common to all creation, none is able to escape it. Allaah تعالى (the Most High) said:
{ إن كل من في السماوات والأرض إلا آتي الرحمن عبدا } [مريم،93]
There is none in the heavens and the earth will come to ar-Rahmaan [The One Whose Mercy encompasses everything (Allaah)] on the Day of Resurrection as submissive slaves. [Qur’aan, Soorat Maryam (19:93)].
The second kind of ‘uboodiyyah comprises the general obedience to Allaah. It is specific to those who comply to the sharee’ah of Allaah, U. He I says:
{ وعباد الرحمن الذين يمشون على الأرض هونا }
And the believing slaves of ar-Rahmaan are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness. [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Furqaan (25:63)].
The ‘uboodiyyah of the Messengers (‘alayhimu as-salaam: May Allaah protect them from all kinds of evil) is the very special slavery to Allaah, Most High. None can compete with the Messengers’ degree of ‘uboodiyyah to Allaah.
[8][8]Bin Baaz, Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Al-’ilm Wa Akhlaaqu Ahlihi [Riyaadh, Saudi Arabia: a special print compiled by Dr. Muhammad S. ash-Way’ir, 2d, ed. 1409/1988], pp. 302, 315. This important treatise was rendered into English by Br. ‘Ahmar ibn Muhammad Iqbal and entitled Knowledge [Birmingham, U.K.: Al-Hidaayah Publishing & Distribution 1995].
[9][9]Ibnul Qayyim. See Ftn.6, vol. 1, pp. 291-292.
[10][10]Deeniyyah: Pertrains to Allaah’s sharee’ah (Commands and Prohibitions of the Islaamic Code). It is also known as al-iraadah as-shar’iyyah (Allaah’s legislative Will).
[11][11]Kawniyyah: Relates to Allaah’s Will in His creation. Everything He Wills is certain to pass, and everything He Wills not to pass, will never occur. None is able to escape Allaah’s universal decree.
[12][12]Imaam ibnul Qayyim in his book Al-Fawaa’id [Dammaam, Saudi Arabia: Daar ibnul Jawzee (checked and reformatted by Shaykh ‘Ali Hasan ‘Abdul Hameed), 1417/1996], p. 396.
[13][13]As in the authentic and famous hadeeth reporting the encounter of Abu Hurayrah t with the one of the shayaateen. See page 16.
[14][14]It is reported by at-Tabaraani that the Prophet (r) said: “The one who recites aayatul kursi after the conclusion of an obligatory prayer, he is under the Care of Allaah تعالى until the next prayer commences.” See at-Tabaraani’s At-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb (2:435). Al-Haafith Al-Munthiri said, “At-Tabaraani reported it with a good chain of narration.” Al-Haythami stated the same conclusion (Majma’ Az-Zawaa’id, 10:109).
[15][15]This hadeeth is reported by At-Tabaraani, ibn as-Sunni, ibn Hibbaan, and others. Ibn Hibbaan graded it as saheeh in his book As-Salaat. Al-Haythami said: “At-Tabaraani reported it in Al-Kabeer and Al-Awsat with different narrations, one of them is good.” Al-Haafith ibn Hajar said,“Its isnaad is saheeh...and ibnul Jawzee was inattentive when he reported it in his Mawdoo’aat (fabricated collection of ahaadeeth).” Shaykh al-Albaani authenticated it in As-Silsilah As-Saheehah (vol.2, no.972) and said: “Ibn Khatheer declared it as saheeh in his tafseer (exegesis).” He noted that Shaykh-ul-Islaam ibn Taymeeyah’s calssification of this hadeeth as weak, as in his Fatawaa (22:508), “Appears to be made at the stage when he was beginning to seek knowledge. In fact, his student Imaam ibnul Qayyim related that he (ibn Taymeeyah) was reported to have said, “I never relinquished [to recite] it after each [obligatory] salaat.” After detailing the various reports regarding this hadeeth, ibnul Qayyim commented, “It has its basis and it is not mawdoo’ (fabricated).” [See ibnul Qayyim’s Zaadul Ma’aad (Beirut, Lebanon: Mu’assasatur-Risaalah (Checked by Shu’ayeb and ‘Abdul Qaadir al-Arna’oot), 2d, ed. 1418/1997)], pp. 293-294.
[16][16]Majmooi’ Al-Fatawaa, vol. 17, p. 130.
[17][17]Istikhaarah: The special prayer composed of two rak’ahs followed by a specific du’aa (supplication) seeking Allaah’s Guidance. The English meaning of this Prophetic du’aa is: "O my ilaah (Allaah)! I ask your Guidance due to Your Knowledge, and appeal to You to help me [give me power] due to Your Ability, and ask You from Your Great Favor, for You are Able and I am not. You know and I do not know, and You know all hidden matters. O Allaah! If You know that this matter [and you name it] is good for me in my deen [Islaam], my livelihood, the aftermath of my matter [also said: for my life in the Hereafter], its short term, or its long term, then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bestow blessing for me in it; and if You know that this matter [and you name it] is bad for me in my deen, my livelihood, the aftermath of my matter, its short term, and its long term, then keep it away for me, and turn me away from it, and decree for me the good where ever it is, and then content me with it." A detailed reference on this great act of worship is found in The Three Abandoned Prayers by ‘Adnaan Aal ‘Ar’uoor: It may me obtained from The Call to Islaam Da’wah Center at 318 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London, E17 9PX, UK.
[18][18]It is of paramount importance that the seekers of knowledge should try their best to review the scholarly works of the trusted salafi ‘ulmaa’. This helps to clarify what is generalized or not entirely clear in some of their statements. In addition it brings out points of benefit which otherwise may be missed. Unlike many so-called “scholars” whose books are filled with mystic terminology whose explanation, in the best cases, may contain truth and falsehood, the ‘ulamaa’ who follow the path of as-salaf as-saalih do not intend confusion for the ummah. However, they are human and may say and (or) write certain things which may need clarification or some detail. Often such clarifications and (or) details are present in other parts of their works and therefore should not be overlooked. It is also relevant that those working on translating the works of the salafi scholars give this issue the consideration it deserves. And Allaah Knows best.

[19][19]البَّر al-Barr: The One Who is Most Subtle, Kind, Courteous, and Generous; the One Who is ample in goodness and beneficence; Who gives manifold increase of reward to the righteous, and Who overlooks many of the faults of the wrong-doers with gracious forgiveness; whoever brings a good deed, Allaah, al-Barr, rewards him ten times the like thereof to his credit, and whoever brings an evil deed He U decrees for him only the recompense of the like thereof, and they will not be wronged. If somebody intends to do a good deed and he does not do it, then Allaah, al-Barr, will write for him a full good deed in his account with Him; and if he intends to do a bad deed and he does not do it, then Allaah will write a full good deed in his account with Him. He loves piety towards Him, goodness, justice, righteousness, honesty, truthfulness, benevolent regard or conduct to parents and others, as well as every incumbent duty.

[20][20]Allaah is the ‘alam (identifying name or title) of the majestic, sole, and true God. This noun which is the name of Allaah applies to none other than Him. He, Most Majestic and High, has other names all of which follow on from His name Allaah. The meaning of the name “Allaah” is the ma’looh (that which is worshipped out of love, magnification, deification, and longing). [See Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen’s Sharhul ‘Aqeedah Al-Waasityyah (Dammaam, Saudi Arabia: Daar ibnul Jawzi, 2d ed. 1415/1994)], p. 38, and Sharh Lum’at Al-’itiqaad (Ismaa’eeliyyah, Egypt: Maktabat al-Imaam al-Bukhaari (checked by Ashraf Maqsood), 1412/1992)], p. 29.
[21][21]ar-Rahmaan (The One Who is Most Merciful): This is one of Allaah’s particular names and which denotes the attribute of very great and extensive mercy which exists with Him. [See Imaam ibnul Qayyim’s Badaai’ Al-Fawaa’id (Beirut, Lebanone: Daarul Khayr, 1st ed. 1414/1994)], vol.1, pp.23-24, and Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen’s Sharhul ‘Aqeedah Al-Waasityyah, ibid.
[22][22]ar-Raheem (The One Who Bestows Mercy): This name denotes that the attribute is related to the marhoom (i.e. the one whom Allaah chooses to receive His Rahmah (Mercy). So, the difference between ar-Rahmaan and ar-Raheem is that in the case of the former, ar-Rahmah is His attribute, and in the latter, ar-Rahmah is His act, meaning that He is the One Who bestows ar-Rahmah upon others. So, when both names come together [i.e. ar-Rahmaan, ar-Raheem], then the meaning in this context is that Allaah’s Mercy is very great and extensive, and that His Mercy reaches His creation. This is what is meant by those who say that ar-Rahmaan is the One Whose Mercy encompasses everything (general Mercy), and ar-Raheem is the One who has Mercy upon the believers (special Mercy). Since Allaah’s Mercy upon the kaafir is a special one in this life only, then it is as if they have no mercy upon them, because in the Hereafter when they will ask Allaah U to save them from Hell and admit being wrong, Allaah will deal with them with His Justice, not His Mercy, Saying:
{ اخسئُوا فيِهَا ولا تُكَلِّمُونِ } [المؤمنون:108]
“Remain you in it [Hell] with ignominy! And speak not to Me!”
[Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Mu’minoon (23:108)].
The name ar-Raheem is applied to Allaah U and may be applied to others. Allaah I has described His Messenger Muhammad (r) as Raheem (Soorat At-Tawbah, 9:128). Ibn Katheer (رحمه الله) said: “Some of the names of Allaah تعالى are restricted to Him only like the names: Allaah, ar-Rahmaan, al-Khaaliq, ar-Raaziq and so forth. Some other names, however, may be applied to other than Him.” [See Badaai’ Al-Fawaa’id, p.24, Sharhul ‘Aqeedah Al-Waasityyah, pp.38-39, Lum’atul I’tiqaad, p.29, Tafseer ibn Katheer (1:21), Sharh Thalaathat Al-Usool within Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen’s Majmoo Fatawaa (Riyaadh, Saudi Arabia: Daar Ath-Thuraya, 1st ed. 1414/1993)], vol. 6, p. 11.
[23][23]The author begins his treatise with the basmalah (بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم) in adherence with the way of Allaah تعالى in His Book and following the example of the Prophet (r) who used to begin his letters with it. Given the aforementioned discussion of the meanings of the Names: Allaah, ar-Rahmaan, and ar-Raheem, the meaning of the basmalah is: “I begin [in this case “I begin to write”] seeking the help and the blessings of each and every name of the names of Allaah تعالى whose very great and extensive mercy is His Attribute.” [See Lam’atul I’tiqaad, p. 29.]

The Explanation of Aayatul Kursi

[FIRST]: Allaah’s Saying:

Allaah, none has the right to be worshipped but He,

The Ever-living, the One Who is established on His Own, Self-subsisting, by Whom all things subsist.

This aayah is the greatest aayah (verse) in the Book of Allaah just as was ascertained in the response of Ubayy bin Ka’b (Abul-Munthirt) to the Prophet’s (r) question when he asked him: “Which aayah in the Book of Allaah is the greatest? He (Ubayy) replied: “Aayatul-kursi.” Thereupon he (r) struck him on his breast and said: “May knowledge give you joy, O Abal-Munthir!”[1][24]

That is why whoever recites it at night [before going to bed], Allaah will appoint a guard for him and stay with him to protect him all night long, and no shaytaan will come near him till morning.[2][25]
This aayah comprises ten sentences, each of which has a very great meaning. [In the beginning] Allaah U says:

“Allaah”

The word Allaah is the title particular to the Most High thaat (Essence), meaning the name particular to Allaah, the Mighty and Magnificent, Himself.[3][26] This title applies to none other than Allaah, whether in times of jaahiliyyah (pre-Islaamic era) or times of Islaam. For Allaah is Rabbul-aalameen (The Rabb of all creation),[4][27] the Mighty and Majestic.
In the construct of the sentence, the term Allaah is mahatul-khabar (the subject) of the rest of the sentence that follows or mahatul-isnaad (the term upon which the rest of the sentence is based). This word, the Majestic term (الله), is the subject (gram.) and what comes after [from the attributes to the subject] is either the predicate (gram.) or its explicative apposition.

The First Hukm (judjment regarding a thing in relation to an attribute to its subject) in: Allaah, laa ilaaha illaa huwa, is laa ilaaha illa huwa.

Ilaah means ma’looh, one who is worshipped out of love and magnification. None deserves this attribute except Allaah, the One free of all imperfections and the Most High. All of the aaliha[5][28] (gods) besides Allaah which are worshipped on earth or in the heavens, like the angels, do not deserve to be worshipped. They are called aaliha but they do not deserve the right which Allaah, Rabbul-‘aalameen, deserves.[6][29] [He said]:

O Mankind! Single out your Rabb [Allaah] with all worship; He Who created you and all those before you so that you may be of those attain Taqwaa;[7][30] He Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water [rain] from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allaah [in worship] while you know [that He has no rival, and that He alone has the right to be worshipped].[8][31] [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Baqarah, 2:21-22].

The Word ilaah “that which is worshipped (ma’bood),” is a noun of [laa]. In this construct, laa is the negative which negates jins.[9][32]Here, it denotes the general and absolute negation of all sorts that fall under one kind. Itself being a text of generalization, then laa ilaaha is a pure, clear, and comprehensive negation of all sorts [of false gods].

And His I saying: which means “Except Him,” [grammatically] is a badal (substitute) for the omitted predict of which is a word understood in meaning but not stated in words, and which is necessary to complete the meaning; this word is haqq (truly and rightfully). Accordingly, the meaning by implication is:

[laa ilaah illaa huwa: None has the right to be worshipped (laa ilaaha haqq) except Allaah (illallaah)].[10][33]
This great sentence: allaahu laa ilaaha illa huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah), signifies the emphatic and absolute negation of true divinity except to Allaah alone.

Regarding Allaah’s Saying:
The Ever living, al-Qayyoum

These are two of Allaah’s names which comprise the perfection of Attributes and Actions. The name: comprises the perfection of Attributes, and the perfection of Actions. The meaning of is the one who possesses the perfect living. This is inferred from the [11][34] in which is grammatically used to denote [amongst other things][12][35] the combination of all perfection [in properties and (or) applications in the term that it accompanies (al-istighraaq)].

This is also indicated in as far as existence and none-existence, and perfection and imperfection are concerned. In fact, if we consider man’s life, we find it imperfect because it originates in ‘adam (none-existence) and ends in ‘adam.[13][36]

It is also imperfect as far as his attributes and actions are concerned. For his hearing, sight, sayings, and actions are all imperfect. As such, man’s life is imperfect from all angles: in existence and ‘adam, and with regard to the inseparable attributes of life itself. However, with respect to Allaah, Most Mighty and Majestic, His life is perfect, neither preceded by ‘adam nor coming to naught. Allaah, Most High, says:

And put your trust and reliance upon the One who is Ever Living, who does not die. [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Furqaan (25:58)].

He I also said:


Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish, and the Face of Your Rabb, full of Majesty and Honour, will abide forever. [Qur’aan, Soorat Ar-Rahmaan (55:26-27)].

That is why some of the salaf said: “The person should make a connection and not pause [when he recites the word perish in the above verse] because this signifies the right manner of perfection. The true aspect of Allaah’s perfection lies not only in the fact that creation will perish but also in the baqaa’ (endless existence) of Allaah, the Most Mighty and Most Majestic.
In addition, Allaah’s hayaat (Life) is one which is neither accompanied by annihilation nor by ‘adam:
Everything will perish save His Face.
[Qur’aan, soorat al-qasaa (28:88)].

Indeed, to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, belongs the eternally- perfect Life.

Furthermore Allaah’s hayaat is characterized by the perfection of Attributes: hearing, sight, knowledge, ability, might and all qualities of perfection. That is why the particle which denotes al-istighraaq with regard to baqaa’ (endless existence) and al-kamaal (perfection) was introduced.

Regarding [Allaah’s] Saying: al-Qayyoum, its origin is the word al-qiyaam, and the measure of is fayy’ool and it is a form of intensiveness. The name al-Qayyoum means the One Who is established on His Own, Self-subsisting, by Whom all things subsist.[14][37] Allaah, the Most High, said:

Is He (Allaah) Who takes charge (guards, maintains, provides, etc.) of every person and know all that he has earned (like any other deities who know nothing)? [Qur’aan, Soorat Ar-Ra’d (13:33)].

Allaah is established on His Own (qaa’im bi-nafsihi) as He, the Most High, says:

And Allaah is the Rich (Free of all wants), worthy of all praise. [Qur’aan, Soorat At-Taghaabun (64:6)].

So, Allaah is absolutely free of any need from all creation. He is Self-subsisting. He needs not food nor drink, for He is the One Who feeds but is not fed. He needs not a supporter, nor a helper, nor a deputy, nor an advisor. He is established in perfection by Himself.

If someone says, “How do we reconcile the above meaning of al-Qayyoum with the saying of Allaah, the Most High:

O you who believe! If you “help Allaah,” He will help you. [Qur’aan, Soorat Muhammad (47:7)],

and His saying:

Verily Allaah will help those who “help Him”?
[Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Hajj (22:40)].
What is meant by His affirmation that He “is being helped”? The answer is that the intended meaning is help in the cause of Allaah’s deen, for He is the One Who is in full charge of all things. So, everything other than Allaah is dependent upon Him in existence, preparation of affairs, and sustenance.
[1][24]The complete text in Saheeh Muslim is:
عَنْ أُبَيِّ بْنِ كَعْبٍ قَالَ: “قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ يَا أَبَا الْمُنْذِرِ أَتَدْرِي أَيُّ آيَةٍ مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ مَعَكَ أَعْظَمُ قَالَ قُلْتُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَعْلَمُ قَالَ يَا أَبَا الْمُنْذِرِ أَتَدْرِي أَيُّ آيَةٍ مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ مَعَكَ أَعْظَمُ قَالَ قُلْتُ: { اللَّهُ لا إِلَهَ إِلاّ هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ } قَالَ فَضَرَبَ فِي صَدْرِي وَقَالَ وَاللَّهِ لِيَهْنِكَ الْعِلْمُ أَبَا الْمُنْذِرِ."-[صحيح مسلم]
Ubayy bin Ka’b (Abul-Munthir) said: “Allaah’s Messenger (r) said: ‘O Abal- Munthir! Do you know the aayah from the Book of Allaah which, according to you, is the greatest?’ I said: ‘Allaah and His Messenger (r) know best. He again said: Abal Munthir, do you know the verse from the Book of Allaah which, according to you, is the greatest?’ I said: { الله لا إله إلاَّ هُوَ الحيُّ القَيُّوم }: Allaah, none has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever-living, the One Who is established on His Own, Self-subsisting, by Whom all things subsist.' Thereupon he struck me on my breast and said: ‘May knowledge give you joy, O Abal Munthir!’” [See Saheeh Muslim bi-Sharh Al-Imaam an-Nawawi (Arabic) (Beirut, Lebanone: Daar al-Ma’rifah,1st ed. 1414/1994)], vol. 6, no. 1882, p. 334. This reference contains Saheeh Muslim with a commentary by Imaam an-Nawawi (رحمه الله)].
[2][25]This came in the famous hadeeth reported by al-Bukhaari in his Saheeh and which the Prophet (r) assigned Abu Hurayrah (t) to be in charge of the Zakaat revenue of the month of Ramadaan. Someone started to steal some of the foodstuff. When Abu Hurayrah (t) took hold of him and threatened to take him to the Prophet (r), he said: “I am needy and have many dependents, and I am in great need.” Abu Hurayrah released him and told the Prophet (r) of what happened. He (r) said, “Indeed, he told you a lie and he will be coming again.” Knowing that the Prophet (r) says nothing but the truth, Abu Hurayrah waited for him watchfully. He caught him trying to steal again. He threatened him to take him to the Prophet (r) but then released him when he complained of his great need and promised not to come again. The Prophet (r) told Abu Hurayrah, “Verily, he told you a lie and he will return.” He returned and was caught stealing for the third time. This time, however, he told Abu Hurayrah (t), “I will teach you some words with which Allaah will benefit you.” I asked, “What are they?” He replied: “Whenever you go to bed, recite aayatul-kursi:
{ الله لا إله إلاَّ هوَ الحيُّ القَيُّوم }
till you finish the whole verse. (If you do so), Allaah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you and no shaytaan will come near you till morning.” Upon telling the Prophet (r) of this, he said: “He really spoke the truth, although he is [absolutely] a liar. Do you know whom you were talking to, these three nights, O Abu Hurayrah?” Aboo Hurayrah said, “No.” He (r) said, “It was a shaytaan.” [See Saheeh Al-Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 3, no. 504].
[3][26]The thaat is necessarily qualified with all of the superlative attributes of perfection.
[4][27]The One Who nurtures and sustains all the creation with His favors and blessings. He is the One Who created them, and He is the One Who possesses full and perfect sovereignty over them, He owns them and controls their affairs as He U wishes and in accordance with His Knowledge, Wisdom, and Justice. Being the Rabb of all creation, He deserves, therefore, to be singled out for all worship. After all, He is the one who prepared them for that which they were created: To worship none but Him. He supported them with all of their needs, brought down for them the Revelation, and sent His Messengers to them so that they would be guided to His Path.
[5][28]Aaliha (sing. ilaah): Gods.
[6][29]Allaah, Most High, said:
{ ولا تدع مع الله إلها آخر لا إله إلا هو كل شيء هالك إلا وجهه له الحكم وإليه ترجعون } [القصص، 88].
And invoke not any other ilaah (god) along with Allaah, laa ilaaha illaa huwa [none has the right to be worshipped but He]. Everything will perish save His Face. His is the decision and to Him (all of) you shall be returned. [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Qasas (28:88)].
Sahykh-ul-Islaam ibn Taymeeyah (رحمه الله) in his Fataawaa (1:24) commented: “The one who worships other than Allaah even though he loves [his deity] and seems to gain through it some kind of good relations and enjoyment in this life, it is certain that the harm inflicted upon him by this worship is greater than the harm resulting from the enjoyment of eating poisoned food.‎”
[7][30]Taqwaa: Seeking to take protection from Allaah’s anger and punishment by doing whatever Allaah commands and keeping away from whatever He forbids.
[8][31]Since He is the One Who created you and made available for you all kinds of provisions, then it is a necessary duty upon you that you should single Him out for all worship and set up no partners along with Him in worship.
[9][32]Jins: Kind, class, comprising under it several sorts.
[10][33]So, this omitted word haqq (truly and rightfully) makes it clear that, although there are other confirmed deities besides Allaah U, these aalihaa [gods] which are worshipped besides Allaah are false gods. They posses nothing of divinity, nor do they deserve any worship. [See Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen’s Majmoo’ Fataawaa, section on Sharh Thalaathat Al-Usool (Riyaadh, Saudi Arabia: Daar ath-Thurayya 1413)], vol.6, p. 66. This section has been translated into English by Br. Abu Talhah Daawood ibn Ronald Burbank, and was published by Daar Al-Hidaayah, Birmingham, U.K.
[11][34]{ال}, “al”is a particle of determination and specification.
[12][35]See Lane, E.W., Arabic-English Lexicon (Cambridge, England: Islaamic Texts Society, 1984), vol. 1, p. 74.
[13][36]In the present world, otherwise man will end up in an eternal life in the Hereafter.
[14][37]He sustains, protects, prepares, and runs the affairs of all things as He wills in accordance with His Knowledge, Wisdom, and Justice.

‎[SECOND]: In His Saying: Neither slumber, nor sleep overtakes Him, Allaah did not say (what means): “He does not sleep,” instead He said: (which means) “does not overtake Him” in order to comprise the sleep which overcomes and that arising by choice. If you say, “Does not sleep,” it would imply that He does not sleep by choice. However, Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, does not sleep neither by ghalabah (overcoming) nor by choice, because sleep is an imperfect attribute which contradicts both the perfection of the Self and the perfection in relation to others.

The person who is given to sleep misses a lot of his work because of His sleeping. Consider, for example, the case of a person who has many people working for him and he sleeps a lot. He is unable to reckon with nor manage the business or other related matters. This is an imperfection with respect to others.

As regard to self-perfection, sleep is a deficiency because it indicates that the person’s body got tired and thus he needed the sleep as a rest from what has passed, as well as a means to renew his activity to engage in what will come ahead. That is the why the people of al-Jannah do not sleep—because of the perfection of their lives and bodies. No illness or the like touches them.

If someone says, “We know that the person who does not sleep is unable to do so because of some kind of sickness or a defect, while you say that the lack of sleep is a perfection. Explain.”

We say, “This applies to the creature, and in this case perfection is a relative matter [with respect to Allaah it is perfection]. There is no doubt that the person who does not sleep because of an illness has a defect, and that is why he stays always in a state of languor and exhaustion. Thus his welfare will not be established. This is evident from the saying of Allaah, the Most High:

And have made your sleep as a thing for rest
[Qur’aan, Soorat An-Naba’ (78:9)],

meaning that sleep is something that will discontinue the hardship and tiredness. If Allaah would sleep, and far is He above such imperfection, then this would necessitate that He needs to rest. In addition, the creation will be ruined because they are in need of Him; even the sleeping person is in need of Allaah. In fact, the Prophet (r) used to invoke Allaah at night when he was about to sleep:

“If You take my soul, bestow mercy on it [and forgive it, as in another narration], and if You release it then protect it as You protect your righteous slaves.”[1][38]

In short, it is impossible that Allaah, the One free of all imperfections and the Most High, sleeps. The Prophet (r) said:

"Verily Allaah does not sleep and it does not befit Him to sleep."[2][39]

The word [does not befit] when used in the Qur’aan and sunnah means “the thing which is absolutely impossible to be,” as Allaah said:

But it is not befitting for (the Majesty of) ar-Rahmaan (Allaah) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children). [Qur’aan, Soorat Maryam (19:92)].

[It should be noted] that Allaah’s saying:

Neither slumber, nor sleep overtakes Him,

signifies as-sifaat as-salbiyyah (attributes of negation: negating any imperfection and implying perfection). The rule with respect to the Names and Attributes of Allaah, the Most High, is that there is no such thing as a pure attribute of negation.[3][40] Indeed, when as-sifaat as-salbiyyah are mentioned, it is because they imply the perfection of the attributes which are in contradiction to those of negation.[4][41] So, because of the Perfection of Allaah’s Life and qayyoumiyyah,[5][42] then neither slumber nor sleep overtake Him.[6][43]

[THIRD]: In the Third statement, Allaah تعالى said:

To Him belongs whatever (maa) is in the heavens[7][44] and whatever is on the earth.

The name “maa” here is a conjunctive noun (gram. ism mawsool) taking a form of generalization. The term is used in this form in order to indicate that it comprises both the beings and their states. The meaning, therefore, is that Allaah is the One Who masters the affairs of everything in existence in the heavens and the earth: creating, sovereignty-kingship, and management;

The sentence, “To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth,” is a declarative clause in which the predicate (gram. khabar) “To Him” has preceded the subject (gram. mubtada’) which is the conjunctive noun: “Whatever”. In this way, there is a grammatical state of hasr (exclusivity, restriction) which signifies that to Him (Allaah) alone belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth. Accordingly, since creating, sovereignty-kingship, and management of affairs belong to Allaah alone, it is incumbent that we should surrender to Him alone because we are His slaves, and a slave must surrender to the One Who Owns and Masters him, Allaah, the One free of all imperfection, the Most High.

In addition, we must stand to persevere Allaah’s pre-decree because we are His possession. and anything which is owned by Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, then it follows that is His right to administer its affairs as He Wills. This right is the same whether His pre-decree applies to the person himself, his family, wealth, friends, country, or the rest of mankind. The important thing is that since the dominion belongs to Allaah, then it is His exclusive right to do whatever He Wills.
In the saying of Allaah (which means), “To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth,” the term “heavens” came in the plural form[8][45] while the word “earth” was stated in the singular though what is meant is the plural. In this regard, the intended usage of the term “earth” refers to the jins (kind).
[1][38]Reported by Al-Bukhaari, Saheeh Al-Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 8, no. 332.
[2][39]Saheeh Muslim (English Translation), vol. 1, no. 343.
[3][40]This is because mere negation does not denote any attribute, and therefore it is not considered a praise. In addition, the attributes of negation are of two kinds:
1. General, and
2. Specific.
The meaning of generality in negation is that Allaah, Most High, negates all imperfections implicitly denoting that all Perfection is His. For example: Allaah, the Exalted, says: { ليس كمثله شيء}, [which means], “There is nothing like unto Him.” So, there is nothing unto Him in His Knowledge, Ability, Hearing, Seeing, Might, Wisdom, Mercy, and so forth. In this general negation, Allaah I did not specify the negation. Accordingly all imperfections are denied and all perfections are denoted, and it is stated that there is nothing like unto Him in all of His Perfection.
On the other hand, the specificity in negation is to negate specific allegations of imperfection. For example to deny that defects and drawbacks like forgetfulness, sleep, ignorance, havin son or partner, etc. are associated with Allaah, the Exalted. Again, the Perfection is implied as against the negation. [See Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen’s Sharhul Waasitiyah], vol. 1, pp. 145-146.
[4][41]For example, the negation of ignorance stands for the affirmation of Allaah’s unlimited knowledge. The negation of death, which is in contradiction of life, implies the perfection of Allaah’s attribute of Life.
[5][42]Qayyoumiyyah: The Attribute denoted by Allaah’s Name al-Qayyoum.
[6][43]The Perfection of His Life negates that Allaah I needs to sleep and the same is also due to the Perfection of His qayyoumiyyah, as sleep is needed by the created living creatures due to their imperfection. Although sleeping and eating may be considered as attributes of perfection with respect to man, as a person who does not sleep or eat is considered ill, they are perfection from one angle and defects from another. They are perfection in the sense that they indicate that the body is sound and healthy, and are defects because the body needs them to function. In reality, therefore, they are defects. Accordingly, not every relative perfection in the creature is a perfection for the Creator, and not every Perfection associated with the Creator is a perfection in the created. Eating, drinking and sleeping are relative “perfection” with respect to the creature and negated defects with respect to Allaah I. That is why Allaah, the Most High, said about Himself:
{ وَهُوَ يُطْعِمُ وَلاَ يُطْعَمُ } [الأنعام، 14]
And it is He (Allaah) Who feeds and is not fed.
[Qur’aan, Soorat Al-An’aam (6:14)].

[7][44]From the angels, jinn, and all that which exists, including which we have no knowledge of.
[8][45]The Qur’aan has stated that there are seven heavens:
{ قُلْ مَنْ رَبُّ السَّماواتِ السَّبعِ وَرَبُّ العَرْشِ العظيم } [المؤمنون،86].
Say: Who is the Rabb of the seven heavens and the Rabb of the great ‘arsh? [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Mu’minoon (23:86)].

[FOURTH]: In the fourth statement, Allaah, the Most High, said:


Who is it that can interceded with Him except with His Permission?

The word “Who” is an interrogative noun[1][46] and the intended use of the interrogation in the sentence is to assert the negation [that there is none who can intercede] as evident in the affirmation phrase which followed it: “Except with His Permission.” Whenever a negation takes the form of an interrogative construct, then the statement is infused with the meaning of challenge.

The Intercession (Ash-Shafaa’ah):

Regarding the saying of Allaah, the Most High: “Intercedes,” know that:

1 . Linguistically, the term “shafaa’ah” means to make an odd number an even one.[2][47]

2 . Traditionally, it refers to the laying of a petition (interceding, mediating) with someone in favor of another, in procuring a benefit or warding off a harm. Thus the shafaa’ah of the Prophet (r) for ahlul-mawqif[3][48] after the worry and distress which befalls them and which they are unable to bear is an intercession to ward off a harm. On the other hand, the Prophet’s shafaa’ah for ahlul-Jannah[4][49] to enter al-Jannah is aimed at procuring a benefit.
3. None can intercede except by Allaah’s Permission:
His Leave is kawni.[5][50] Even Muhammad (r) who has the greatest rank with Allaah cannot intercede except with the prior leave from Allaah. He will be granted this permission after he (r) prostrates before Allaah and praises Him with the great praises and glorifications which Allaah guides him to it on that day. Then it will be said:

“Raise your head and speak; you will be listened to, intercede and your intercession will be accepted.”[6][51]

[It is known] that no one have a rank with Allaah greater than that of the Messenger [Muhammad r], nevertheless, he (r) cannot intercede except with the prior leave of Allaah. It is so because of Allaah, Most Majestic and Most High’s, perfection of Authority and hayybah.[7][52] The more a king’s authority becomes fully established, the more reverent and respected he becomes. People would not even speak in his court unless he speaks. Consider the Prophet’s (r) relation with his companions and which Quraysh’s[8][53] emissary [‘Urwah bin Mas’oud] described [after finalizing the treaty of Al-Hudaybiyah]:

"And when they spoke to him they would lower their voices."[9][54]

All of this is out of respect. You find that if a king is revered by his flock then no one can speak in his court and in his presence because of the might of his authority.[10][55]

[The Conditions of Confirmed Intercession]: [11][56]
Allaah, U, has made it clear that He does not permit intercession except for the one whom He approves of and whose word is acceptable to Him, and for the one He is pleased with and on whose behalf intercession shall be made. It is inevitable that Allaah is pleased with ash-shaafi’, the intercessor, and al-mashfoo’i lahu, the one on whose behalf intercession is sought.[12][57] Consequently, the idols of the polytheists could not intercede on their behalf with Allaah because Allaah does not approve of them. The Prophets and the righteous do not intercede on behalf of the polytheists because the latter are not approved with Allaah.

Accordingly, the conditions for the confirmed shafaa’ah are three:

1. Allaah’s permission of it.
2. Allaah being pleased with the shaafi’.
3. His approval of the one on whose behalf intercession is sought (al-mashfoo’i lahu).[13][58]
[Five]: Then Allaah U Said in the Fifth Statement:


And Allaah Knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter.

Knowledge, according to the scholars of usool (the fundamental principles of deen), is the definitive comprehension of a thing in conformity with its true nature. Thus, the lack of comprehension is ignorance, the indecisive comprehension is doubt, and the assertive comprehension which does not concur with reality is compounded ignorance.

For example, if you were asked, “When did the expedition of Badr[14][59] take place?” And you say, “I do not know,” then this is ignorance. If you were asked the same question and you said, “It happened in the second or the third year of hijrah,” then this is doubt.[15][60] And if your answer to the same question was, “The fifth year,” then this is compounded ignorance.[16][61] Allaah, the Most Mighty and Most Majestic, knows things comprehensively and with perfection, on the whole and in detail. His knowledge is unlike the knowledge of ‘ibaad. That is why He said:

And Allaah knows what happens to them [the creatures] in the future and what happened to them in the past.[17][62] The conjunctive noun { ما } is a form of generalization (gram.) which comprises everything be it small or great, or whether it is from the actions of Allaah or from the creatures’ deeds. Knowing what happens to them in the future implies that Allaah U is not unaware of the future, and that His knowledge of the past necessitates that He does not forget the past. That is why when Fir’awn said to Mûsa u:


“What about the generations of the old?”
[Qur’aan, Soorat Taaha (20:51)].

Mûsa u replied:


The knowledge thereof is with my Rabb, in a Record. My Rabb is neither unaware nor He forgets.
[Qur’aan, Soorat Taaha (20:52)].
This means that Allaah I is neither unaware of the future nor does He forget the past.

[Six]: In the sixth statement, Allaah تعالى said:


And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills.

The pronoun of the verb “compass” refers to either all that is in the heavens and the earth or to the letter haa’ in Allaah’s saying: “what happens to them [the creatures] in the future and what happened to them in the past.” In the latter case, the meaning would be “Those who Allaah knows what happens to them in the future and what happened to them in the past, will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He Wills.”

In this statement Allaah I makes clear the perfection of His knowledge and the imperfection of the creature’s knowledge. And thus He U compares His Attributes to that of His ‘ibaad in order that His perfection and the imperfection of the creatures become clearly evident. This is also clear in His saying:


Whatsoever on it (the earth) will perish. And the Face of your Rabb, full of Majesty and Honour will abide forever.
[Qur’aan, Soorat Ar-Rahmaan (55:26-27)].

As far as the word‘ilm (knowledge) in His saying: “His Knowledge,” it is an infinitive (verbal noun) denoting either (a) the ‘ilm of His thaat (Essence) and sifaat (Attributes), or (b) His ma’loom (What Allaah Knows). Accordingly, the meaning of the aayah:
And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills, means either (a) that we do not know anything about Allaah, His thaat, and His sifaat except that which He willed for us to know, or (b) that we do not know of what Allaah knows except that which He willed to be known. The aayah implies both meanings, and both are correct since we do not know of Allaah’s thaat or sifaat except that which He willed for us to know. Indeed, He is the One Who made it known to us that He ascended upon the ‘arsh (Throne); and He is the One Who taught us on the tongue of His Messenger [Muhammad r] that He descends to the lowest heaven [in the last third of the night]; and this is the case with the rest of His sifaat: We have no knowledge of them except that He wills. Similarly what Allaah knows regarding what is in the heavens and what is on the earth, our knowledge thereof is restricted to that which He willed for us to know. After all, He is the One Who informed us of the existence of the angels in the heavens and that there are seven heavens. So it is with respect to the rest of what Allaah knows, we are aware of that which He willed for us to know. Even that which He has made known, many of us are unaware of it; the knowledge thereof are attained only if He wills. In the human being, there are many things which people [i.e. scientists] are not yet fully aware of. They gradually attained the knowledge which they knew not before.
So the aayah comprises both of the meanings discussed above. Thus we do not know anything of what Allaah knows even that which concerns ourselves except that which He wills, and that we do not compass anything about Allaah’s thaat and sifaat except that which He wills. Therefore, whatever Allaah wills for His creatures to know, whether in relation to His thaat, sifaat, asmaa’ (Names), or Actions; or with respect to His creation or His legal ways which He revealed to His Messengers, then He I will make it known for them.
[1][46]In the grammatical sense the noun { مَنْ } is the subject, and the term { ذا } is omitted for being redundant. The term { الذي } “he that”is a relative pronoun standing as the predicate of the subject { مَنْ } “Who”. [Author’s note]
[2][47]Allaah I said: { والشَّفْعِ والوَتْرِ },[which means], And by the shaf’a (even) and the witr (odd) [of all the creations of Allaah]. [Qur’aan Soorat Al-Fajr (89:3)].
[3][48]Ahlul-Mawqif: All human beings gathered on one plane on the Day of Resurrection awaiting their accounts to be taken by Allaah. The Prophet (r) said, “The sun will come so close to the people that they will suffer such distress and trouble as they will not be able to tolerate it or to bear it.” The Prophet (r) intercedes with Allaah to pronounce His Judgment among the people of al-mawqif. They will be relieved from their long standing by virtue of his interceding with Allaah on their behalf. [See Saheeh Al-Bukhaari (Arabic/English)], vol. 6, no. 236.
[4][49]Ahlul-Jannah: The believers who will be admitted to reside forever in al-Jannah.
[5][50]Kawni: Pertaining to the Universal Will of Allaah, the Most Majestic and Most Magnificent, and which is in accordance with His Foreknowledge and Wisdom. Creation, provisions, life, death, permission to intercede, and so forth exist by the Will of Allaah. Everything which Allaah Wills is certain to occur. He Willed that eemaan (belief in Allaah) and kufr (disbelief) occur, although He Loves eemaan and Hates kufr. On the other hand, the Legislative Decree (al-hukm ash-shar’i) comprises the Revealed Laws (sharee’ah) which the Messengers came with and what is stated in the Revealed Scriptures. Under this Decree, Allaah Loves that mankind believe in Him (eemaan) and does not Love for them to commit kufr. Mankind, however, may or may not believe in Allaah. In short, under His Universal Will, everything Allaah Wills is certain to pass while under the Legislative Will, what is beloved to Allaah may or may not take place.
[6][51]Part of a long and agreed upon hadeeth. [See Saheeh Al-Bukhaari (Arabic/ English)], vol. 6, no. 3 and no. 236.
[7][52]Hayybah: An attribute inspiring reverence, or veneration.
[8][53]Quraysh is the tribe of the Prophet Muhammad (r).
[9][54]This is part of a long hadeeth detailing the story of the treaty of Al-Hudaybiyah. [See Saheeh Al-Bukhaari ‎(Arabic/English)], vol. 3, no. 891.
[10][55]Kings are in need of intercessors because of the imperfection of their knowledge, might and authority. Allaah, Most Perfect in His Might, Knowledge, and Authority, is in no need for intercessors. That is why intercession with Allaah takes place only if He permits it. With kings, however, intercession is permitted with or without a king’s permission. Those close to the king, for example, may intercede without permission. [See Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen’s Al-Qawlul Mufeed ‘Alaa Kitaabit-Tawheed (Riyaadh, Saudi Arabia: Daarul ‘Aasimah, 1st ed. 1415/1994)], vol. 1, p. 330, 332.
[11][56]The intercessions permitted by Allaah تعالى are six. The Prophet (r) will have the privilege of making three of these intercessions. They are:
1. The Prophet’s intercession for ahlul-mawqif. This is known as the Prophet’s greatest shafaa’ah and it is part of the highest station of praise and honour (al-maqaam al-mahmood) with which the Prophet (r) is distinguished, and for which he will be praised by all creatures. It is mentioned in the Qur’aan [17:78].
2. The Prophet’s intercession for ahlul-Jannah to enter al-Jannah.
3. The Prophet’s (r) intercession with Allaah تعالى to reduce the punishment of his uncle, Abu Taalib because of his protection and support of the Prophet (r). He will be placed in a shallow part of Hell-Fire.
The other intercessions are not restricted to the Prophet Muhammad (r). They include:
4. The Prophet’s intercession with Allaah تعالى that He does not cast into Hell the one who deserves it.
5. His intercession of taking out from Hell those admitted to it as a result of their sins.
6. The intercession to raise the ranks of the believers. This is the du’aa of the Prophet (r) to believers and by the believers for each other. [See (1) Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez bin Baaz’s commentary on Shaykh-ul Islaam ibn Taymeeyah’s Al-’Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah which Shaykh ‘Ali Hasan ‘Abdul Hameed compiled in his verification of Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan As-Sa’di’s book At-Tanbeehaat Al-lateefah ‘Ala Al-Waasitiyyah (Dammaam, Saudi Arabia: Daar ibnul Qayyim, 1409/1989), p. 73, and (2) Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen’s Al-Qawlul-Mufeed, pp. 332-335].
The intercessions mentioned above are the ones which are approved by Allaah I. The annulled intercession is any intercession which is not approved by Allaah U.
[12][57]The conditions are stated in the following aayaat:
1. Allaah I says:
{ مَنْ ذا الَّذي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إلاَّ بإذُنِهِ } [البقرة، 255]
Who is he that will intercede with Him except by His permission.
[Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Baqarah (2:255)].

2. Allaah I says:
{ يَومَئِذٍ لا تَنْفَعُ الشَّفاعَةُ إلاَّ مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ الرَّحمن وَرَضِيَ لَهُ قَولا } [طه، 109]

On that day no intercession shall avail, except the one for whom
ar-Rahmaan has given permission and whose word is acceptable to Him. [Qur’aan, Soorat Taaha (20:109)].

3. Allaah I says:
{ وَلاَ يَشْفَعُونَ إلاَّ لِمَنِ ارتَضَى } [الأنبياء، 28]
And they cannot intercede except for him with whom He is pleased. [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Anbiyaa’ (21:28)].

[13][58]The case of intercession on behalf of the Prophet’s uncle, Abu Taalib, is excluded and in a very limited sense from the ruling stated in Allaah’s saying:
{ فمَا تنْفَعُهُم شَفَاعَةُ الشَافِعِين } [المدَّثر،48]
No intercession of intercessors will be of any use to them [unbelievers, polytheists]. [Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Muddathir (74:48)].
Abu Taalib stood in support of the Prophet (r) and protected him from his enemies of Quraysh. The intercession on behalf of Abu Taalib is special for the Prophet (r). Other than this special intercession, none is allowed to intercede for a kaafir. Even Abu Taalib is not saved from the Fire of Hell. Had it not been for the intercession of the Prophet (r), Abu Taalib “would have been in the bottom of the (Hell) Fire,” as the Prophet (r) said. “Perhaps my intercession will be helpful to him on the Day of Resurrection so that he may be put in a shallow fire reaching only up to his ankles with which his brain will boil,” he (r) added. [See Saheeh Al-Bukhaari, vol. 5, no. 222 and no. 224, and Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen’s Al-Qawlul Mufeed, vol. 1, p. 334].
[14][59]The Battle of Badr occurred between the army of the believers lead by Prophet Muhammad (r) and the polytheists of Quarysh and it took place on the 17th of Ramadaan of the second year of Hijrah.
[15][60]Because you give another answer which you think has the same possibility of being the truth.
[16][61]This is known as al-jahlul-murakkab, which is to comprehend something in a way contrary to its true reality. [See Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen’s Sharh Thalaathat Al-Usool (Burmingham, UK: Al-Hidaayah Publication, 1st ed. 1418/1997)], p. 37.
[17][62]This is one of the meanings of this great aayah. It signifies that Allaah’s knowledge encompasses everything in the past, present, and the future; nothing escapes Allaah’s knowledge.
Note: One of the Names of Allaah U is العليم al-'Aleem: The One Who knows what has been and what will be; Who ever has known, and ever will know, what has been and what will be; His knowledge comprehends all things, the covert and the overt, the small thereof and the great, the possible and the impossible, the lofty and lower spheres, etc. in the most complete manner. Nothing is concealed from Him in the earth or in the heavens. [See Shaykh as-Sa’dee’s Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan fi Tafseeri Kalaamil-Mannaan [‘Unayzah, Saudi Arabia: Saalih bin Saalih Center Publish. 1412/1992)], vol. 5, p. 299.

[Seven]: Then Allaah, the Most High, said:


His kursi extends over the heavens and the earth encompassing them all, He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the most High, the Most Great.
The kursi [literally: footstool] is mawdi’ul qadamayn (place of the Feet) of Allaah, Most Mighty and Most Majestic, and it is before the ‘arsh like a front ‎‎to it. This was authentically related by ibn ‘Abbaas (رضي الله عنهما) in a mawqoof[1][63] type of narration. This is agreed upon by the majority of ahlus-sunnah wal jamaa’ah. In fact this what is asserted by Shaykh-ul-Islaam ibn Taymeeyah, [Imaam] ibnul Qayyim, and others from the people of knowledge and from the verifying scholars.

Some have said that al-kursi is the ‘arsh itself. However, this is not true because the‘arsh is greater, more spacious, and more profound in its extent of encompassing than al-kursi. It has also been narrated on the authority of ibn ‘Abbaas that al-kursi represents Allaah’s Knowledge. But I do not think that this narration is authentic because this meaning (i.e. knowledge) is not the true meaning for the word al-kursi in the classical Arabic language nor in the common (‘urfi) language. In fact, it is very unlikely that this transmission from ibn ‘Abbaas is an authentic one.[2][64] Hence, al-kursi is mawdi’ul qadamayan.

The greatness of al-kursi is clearly stated in the hadeeth in which the Prophet (r) said:


“The seven heavens and the seven earths by the side of al-kursi are naught but as a ring thrown down in a desert land, and such is al-kursi with respect to al-’arsh (the Throne).”[3][65]

This hadeeth indicates the vastness of these immense creations and which are, with respect to us, from the world of al-ghayb. That is why Allaah U says:


Have they not looked at the heavens above them, how We have made it and adorned it, and there are no rifts in it. [Qur’aan, Soorat Qaaf (50:6)].

He U did not say: “Have they not looked at al-kursi (or al-‘arsh)...,” because this is something which is not seen by us. Had it not been that Allaah had informed us about it (al-kursi or al-‘arsh), we would
not have known of it.

Allaah’s saying:


His kursi extends over and encompasses the heavens and the earth, supports the opinion held by Shaykh-ul-Islaam ibn Taymeeyah and by other verifying scholars that the heavens and the earths all have a spherical shape, because this is a matter acknowledged by sensory perception, and through information, though the latter method may have been hidden from many of the preceding people. The proof for this from the Qur’aan is in the saying of Allaah, the Most High:


When the heaven is split asunder [on the Day of Resurrection], and listens and obeys its Rabb,­­­­­—and it must do so;­ And when the earth is stretched forth...[Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Inshiqaaq (84:1-3)].

Allaah’s saying: And when the earth is stretched forth, necissitates that it is now unstretched. In addition, the Prophet (r) said that on the Day of Resurrection, the earth will be stretched forth like stretched leather, the example of which is drawn for emphasis.[4][66] Another proof is the saying of Allaah, the Most High:


Yukawwiru the night around the day [making it to be a covering upon the day] and Yukawwiru the day around the night.
[Qur’aan, Soorat Az-Zumar (39:5)].
Yukawiru means: “to wind round,”[5][67] like in our saying, “the akwaar (singl. kawr) of the turban,” meaning the turns of the turban upon the head.

We know that the day and night succeed each other upon earth and in doing so, this entails that the earth is spherical, because a thing would not be wound around in a round form except upon something ball-shaped. Nowadays, it is witnessed that the earth is spherical in form.

The fact that al-kursi extends over and encompasses the heavens and the earth is evidence that it is wound round in a round form.

Regarding al-‘arsh, it has been reported that the Prophet (r) described it as being like a dome above the heavens.[6][68] The dome-shape being round but neither fully spherical nor flat, and its middle is high like that of a tent.[7][69]
Then Allaah, the Most High, said:


And He [Allaah U] feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them [i.e. the heavens and the earths].

This attribute of Allaah [feeling no fatigue] is an Attribute of negation. So, what are the Attributes required for guarding and preserving [the heavens and the earths] such that we know that this negation [of fatigue] is in fact an affirmation of their perfection? It is essential that the guarding and preserving requires Life, Knowledge, Ability, Might, Mercy, and possibly other attributes. What is important is that the negation implies the perfection of Allaah’s Knowledge, Ability, Might, and Mercy as well as the other related Attributes which are entailed by His I preserving and guarding.

Then Allaah said:

And He [Allaah] is the Most High, the Most Great.

This sentence, with both of its boundaries defined, denotes exclusivity that He (Allaah) alone is the Most High, meaning that He possesses the absolute Transcendence (al-’uluw al-mutlaq). The restricted or limited ‘uluw (transcendence) is affirmed for the humans. Allaah تعالى said:


So do not become weak (O you pious believers), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory).
[Qur’aan, Woorat Aal-’Imraan (3: 139)]


This superiority is restricted such as being above the kuffaar [in victory], not an absolute transcendence. The latter is exclusively restricted to Allaah, for He, the One who is most High and free from all imperfection, is above everything.

Then it must be known that the attribute of Transcendence of Allaah in the creed of ahlu-sunnah wal jamaa’ah is classified into two types:

(a) The ‘uluw of the thaat: The Transcendence of Allaah’s Essence.

(b) The ‘uluw of the sifaat: The Transcendence of Allaah’s Attributes.

The ‘uluw of the thaat means that Allaah I in His Essence is above everything, and everything is below Him, Most Majestic and Mighty is He. Regarding the ‘uluw of the sifaat, it means that Allaah is qualified with the superlative qualities as He, the Most High, said:


And for Allaah is the Highest Description
[Qur’aan, Soorat An-Naml (16:60)].

Every Attribute which Allaah I qualified Himself with is an Attribute of Perfection and in every respect is free from any kind of imperfection.

If you ask: “What is the reason behind this kind of classification? Do you have a proof of it from the Qur’aan or the sunnah? Did you find this in the sayings of the sahaabah?

The answer is: “No! But I found it to be necessary when it has been determined that the people of negation (an-nufaat), who themselves are ahlu-ta’teel (those who deny the Attributes), restrict the ‘uluw to the sifaat (qualities) only. They said that Allaah’s Transcendence is in His sifaat only not in Essence (thaat). The people of ta’teel (ahlu-ta’teel) themselves became divided regarding the ‘uluw of the thaat, as discussed below.

What is important is that the Imaams of as-salaf-us-saalih and the scholars who came after resorted to this classification out of necessity because they were tested by the people of ta’teel (who denied the ‘uluw of the thaat), and thus they were obligated to affirm the Transcendence in this way. In fact, if we say only that, “Allaah is the Most High,” and if someone from the people of ta’teel says that, “the ‘uluw relates to His Attributes,” then what would the common Muslim understand? The only thing he will understand is that Allaah is qualified with the ‘uluw of the sifaat only. But if we say, “Allaah is Most High in His sifaat as well as in His Essence,” the common Muslims will understand this meaning. In fact, the first thing that is obvious to the common Muslim is that Allaah’s ‘uluw concerns His Essence. Certainly the ‘uluw of the sifaat is part of the meaning of the ‘uluw but the strange thing is that the people of negation and ta’teel establish it while it is not obvious to many people.

In their denial of the ‘uluw of Allaah’s thaat (Essence), the people of ta’teel ended up being divided into two groups:

The first group: They said that Allaah, in His Essence, is everywhere, and if so then He, according to their claim, either occupies a hayyiz[8][70] or He does not. If He occupies a hayyiz then it is necessary that He would occupy the “places” and there would remain no single “place” present. And if He does not occupy a hayyiz, then He is ma’doom (none-existing).[9][71] They would not say that what does not occupy a hayyiz is like the “air” or the like thereof, because this would not be harmonious with their position.[10][72]

The second group: They said, “He I is neither in ‘uluw (loftiness) nor in sufl (opposite ‘uluw: lowness); He is neither inside the world nor outside it; neither to the right nor to the left; neither joined nor separate.

This position is absolute ta’teel (negation) because it is a description of al-’adam (none-existence). Some scholars said, “If we were asked to describe al-’adam we would not find a more comprehensive definition than this description [above].”

So contemplate as to how their negation of what has been affirmed by the way of naql (texts) and ‘aql (rational) led them to say what cannot be accepted neither by sensory perception (hiss), nor by naql or ‘aql.

We have explained earlier that the ‘uluw of Allaah is proven by the way of the kitaab (the Book, i.e. the Qur’aan), the sunnah, ijmaa’ (general consensus of the salaf), ‘aql, and fitrah.[11][73] The proofs of the Book and sunnah are diverse:

· · Some of which mention the ‘uluw like in the saying of Allaah U:

And He [Allaah] is the Most High, the Most Great.

And make tasbeeh [declaring that Allaah is far removed above all imperfection] of your Rabb, the Most High, above everything.
[Qur’aan, Soorat Al-A’laa (87:1)].

· · Others state the fawqiyyah [Allaah being above creation], as in Allaah’s saying in the Qur’aan:


And He [Allaah] is al-Qaahir[12][74] above His slaves.
[Qur’aan, Soorat Al-An’aam (6:18)].

· · Some aayaat (verses) mention the su’ood (ascent) of things up to Him U:

To Him ascend [all] the goodly words, and the righteous deeds exalt it [the goodly words, i.e. the goodly words are not accepted by Allaah unless and until they are followed by good deeds].
[Qur’aan, Soorat Faatir (35:10)].

The angels and the rooh [Jibreel u] ascend to Him.
[Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Ma’aarij (70:4].
· · Sometimes the Qur’aan mentions the descent of things from Him I:
He [Allaah] arranges [every] affair from the heavens to the earth. [Qur’aan, Soorat As-Sajdah (32:5)].

Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the thikr [the Qur’aan].
[Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Hijr (15:5)].

· · In the Book there is also the affirmation that Allaah I is above the heavens:
· ·
Do you feel secure that He, who is above the heaven [Allaah], will not cause the earth to sink.
[Qur’aan, Soorat Al-Mulk (67:16)].

In addition to the above aayaat, there are many other references in the Qur’aan which affirm the ‘uluw of Allaah. Similarly the sunnah affirms Allaah’s ‘uluw in His Essence by the way of saying, action, and approval. The affirmation in the saying as in the statement of the Prophet (r):

“Our Rabb is Allaah Who is in the heaven...”[13][75]
And in his action as when he (r) pointed towards the heavens when he said: “O! Allaah be witness [saying it thrice],” before the greatest assembly of Muslims then.[14][76]

As to his approval, the Prophet (r) asked a slave girl: "Where is Allaah?" She replied: “Above the heavens.” He (r) then ordered her master, “Grant her freedom, because she is a believer.”[15][77]

As for the ijmaa,’ it is acknowledged that the salaf are in agreement that Allaah is above His ‘arsh. No one among them had ever said that He is everywhere or that He is neither above the world nor below it, or that He is neither to the right nor to the left, or that He is neither separated from the world nor associated with it.

On the other hand, the proof of the ‎‘aql (intellect), has two angles to it:

1. The ‘uluw is an attribute of perfection and therefore being as such necessitates that it is an affirmed attribute of Allaah because Allaah is qualified with the attributes of perfection from every angle.

2. For the sake of argument, if we say that, “Allaah is either above the world or under it or on its right or left,” then which of these descriptions denote perfection? The answer is, “Allaah is above the world,” because if he is “under it” then He would be less perfect than the created! And if He is in the same place as the created, then Allaah I would be equal to him in perfection. Thus it is necessitated that Allaah U is above everything.

Finally, as far as the fitrah (natural inclination or disposition) is concerned, each person naturally acknowledges the fact that Allaah is above the heavens. That is why whenever a person supplicates His Rabb (Allaah) he (she) takes refuge towards the direction of the sky (i.e. upward).[16][78]

[In this regard it is noteworthy to mention] that because Abul Ma’aali al-Juwayyni,[17][79] may Allaah bestow His mercy upon him and may He forgive him, denied the ascending of Allaah above the ‘arsh (istiwaa’ ‘ala al-’arsh) and the ‘uluw of Allaah in His Essence, he had decided that, “Allaah was and there was nothing,[18][80] and He is now as He ever has been,”[19][81] denying the istiwaa ‘ala al-’arsh. Abul ‘Alaa al-Hamadaani,[20][82] may Allaah bestow His mercy upon him, said, “Teacher! There is no need to mention the ‘arsh.[21][83] Just tell us about this necessity which we find within ourselves: Whenever an ‘aarif (one who knows of Allaah) says: ‘O! Allaah,’ he finds within his heart a compelling intent aspiring upward?[22][84] Al-Juwayyni slapped his hands against his head screaming, “Al-Hamadani rendered me perplexed. Al-Hamadaani rendered me perplexed.” He was unable to respond because the matter is natural and cannot be denied.

The strange thing is that those who deny the Transcendence of Allaah themselves raise their hands upward in the direction of the heavens when they invoke Allaah. I do not know of the situation of the person who believes that Allaah is everywhere in His Essence or that He is not inside the world nor outside it or He is neither above nor below, how is he going to face His Rabb on the Day of Resurrection?

Then Allaah I said: The Most Great, meaning the One Who possesses the absolutely perfect Greatness.

The great of a certain kind of things is the majestic whose qualities attained the utmost degree of perfection, as Allaah has said about the throne of the Queen of Sabaa’:
And She has a great throne.
[Qur’aan, Soorat An-Naml (27:23)].

In this sense the great of a certain kind of things is that which is characterized by utmost importance and utmost degree of perfection in its qualities.
[1][63]Mawqoof: lit. “stopped”. It is a narration from a companion only. The hadeeth attributed to the Prophet (r) is called marfoo’. Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen (hafithahullaah) commented, “Had it not been that ibn ‘Abbaas (رضي الله عنهما) is one whom it is said that he takes from the Israelite transmissions (israa’eeliyyaat: narrations from the traditions of the People of the Book), we would have said that this transmission (regarding al-kursi) takes the form of marfoo’ tradition, because it deals with knowledge of al-ghayb (the world of unperceived realities). When it comes to this kind of knowledge, there is no room for ijtihaad (scholarly deductions). When a sahaabi (companion) says or does something which is not within the scope of ijtihaad, then it takes the marfoo’ type of tradition. The exception, however, is that if the narration from the sahaabi is of the form of akhbaar (news telling, relating information), then, if it is known that a sahaabi narrates from Bani Israa’eel, his transmission would not be marfoo’ because of the possibility that its source may be from Bani Israa’eel (an Israelite transmission). Knowing that the scholars are scrupulous in their inspection of what is attributed to the Prophet (r), they do not rule that a particular transmission is marfoo’ except when all of the possibilities that may hinder this ruling are ruled out.” Tafseer Aayat Al-Kursi, pp. 19-20. Note: This report from ibn ‘Abbaas is related by ‘Abdullaah ibn al-Imaam Ahmad (As-Sunnah:586), ibn Abee Shaybah (Al-’Arsh:61), ibn Khuzaymah (At-Tawheed: 248), and by al-Haakim (Al-Mustadrak: 2:282) who said it is saheeh according to the conditions of al-Bukhaari and Muslim. Imaam ath-Thahabi agreed to the authentication of al-Haakim. Ad-Daaraqutni reported it in his book As-Sifaat (36) as mawqoof from ibn ‘Abbaas. Shaykh al-Albaani said: “Its isnaad is saheeh, and its narrators are all reliable.” (Mukhtasar Al-’Uluw: 45).
[2][64]Shaykeh-ul-Islaam ibn Taymeeyah (Al-Fataawa, 6:584), and Shaykh al-Albaani (Silsilat Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah, no. 109), stated the weakness of this narration from ibn ‘Abbaas (رضي الله عنهما).
[3][65]Reported by ibn Abee Shaybah (Al-’Arsh, 58), and by al-Bayhaqi (Al-Asmaa’ Was-Sifaat, 862) with both narrations being from the way of Abee Thar t. Shaykh al-Albaani (As-Silsilah As-Saheehah, no. 109) stated that there is no single authentic hadeeth attributed to the Prophet (r) regarding al-kursi except this one.
[4][66]Reported by ibn Jareer at-Tabari (tafseer at-tabari, 30:115-116) on the authority of ‘Ali ibn al-Hussain. The transmission, however, is mursal. Note: A hadeeth is categorized as mursal when the link between the taabi’ee (successor of the sahaabah) and the Prophet (r) is missing.
[5][67] The infinitive noun is takweer, which means to round a thing in a round form.
[6][68]This has been reported in Sunan Abee Daawood (English Translation), no. 4708 and in the Sunnah by ibn Abee ‘Aasim, no. 575, and by others. There is disagreement regarding the authenticity of its isnaad. Imaam ath-Thahabai and other scholars of hadeeth including al-Albaani graded its isnaad as weak. Imaam ibnul Qayyim supported its authenticity. ‎The text describing al-‘arsh as a dome over the heavens is supported by the context of an authentic narration reported by Imaam Al-Bukhaari in his Saheeh (Arabic/English), vol. 9, no. 519 and in which the Prophet (r) said:
"إِنَّ فِي الْجَنَّةِ مِائَةَ دَرَجَةٍ أَعَدَّهَا اللَّهُ لِلْمُجَاهِدِينَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ كُلُّ دَرَجَتَيْنِ مَا بَيْنَهُمَا كَمَا بَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ فَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُ اللَّهَ فَسَلُوهُ الْفِرْدَوْسَ فَإِنَّهُ أَوْسَطُ الْجَنَّةِ وَأَعْلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَفَوْقَهُ عَرْشُ الرَّحْمَنِ وَمِنْهُ تَفَجَّرُ أَنْهَارُ الْجَنَّةِ"-البخاري.
“There are one-hundred degrees in al-Jannah which Allaah has prepared for those who carry on jihaad in His Cause. The distance between every two degrees is like the distance between the sky and the earth, so if you ask Allaah for anything, ask Him for the Firdaws [فِرْدَوْسْ] for it is the middle and highest part of al-Jannah and at its top is al-’arsh of ar-Rahmaan (Allaah), and from it gush forth the rivers of al-Jannah.”
The ’arsh being the roof of the Firdaws, which is the middle and highest part of al-Jannah, indicates that it has a dome-shape because a thing cannot be at the middle and at its heighest point (peak) unless it is round. [See Shaykh-ul-islaam ibn Taymeeyah’s Al-Fataawaa, vol. 5, pp. 150-155, and the book of Al-’Arsh by Muhammad ibn ‘Uthmaan ibn Abee Shaybah (Riyaadh, Saudi Arabia: Maktabat ar-Rushd (checked by Dr. Muhammad ibn Khaleefah at-Tameemi), 1418/1998), p. 333].
[7][69]This is based upon additional explanation of the translated text which the author, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-’Uthaymeen, directly related to me on Wednesday the 16th of Safar 1419Hj, corresponding to the 10th of June 1998. He stated that this explanation fits with that of the hadeeth on the Firdaws as mentioned above. And Allaah knows best.
[8][70]Hayyiz: Linguistically the word hayyiz signifies:
(a) Drawing, collecting, or gathering together.
(b) To hold in one’s possession.
(c) To drive the camel gently to water.
(d) To rise, turn away, or turn towards.
(e) Remove, withdraw, or retire to a distance.
(f) Draw back.
(g) Leave a place to another.
(h) Turn aside to a place or to a different company and
(i) What is annexed to the house.
It is noticed that these linguistic meanings entail: change, moving or turning from place to a place or from a direction to another.
In addition, the term hayyiz, refers to an existing external thing which surrounds and contains something. The lateral portions (or outer surfaces) of the contained thing itself form an existing hayyiz. Anything which is surrounded by an existing hayyiz is called mutahayyiz. Accordingly, what is in between the heavens and the earth is mutahayyiz. [Refer to Appendix A for further important information.]
[9][71]They negate the ‘uluw of Allaah above the creation because they consider what is above the world is itself a hayyiz. Saying that Allaah is above the world means to them that he is in a hayyiz although they acknowledge that it is ‘adami (none-existing)! It is clear that the way of the scholastic theologians is fallacious argumentation.
The fact is that above the world there is nothing except Allaah, so could He be in something “none-existing”? Being “in it” is no more than being alone by Himself and that He is distinct and separate from creation, His thaat is not commixed with any part of His creation..
[10][72]Because the air does not occupy a hayyiz, yet it is existing. To Allaah belongs the best example.
[11][73]The Shaykh refers to his explanation of Al-’Aqeedah Al-Waasittiyyah of Shaykh-ul-Islaam ibn Taymeeyah [Riyaadh, Saudi Arabia: Daar ibnul Jawzi, 1415/1994], vol. 1, pp. 373-400.
[12][74]Allaah is al-Qaahir: The Most Mighty and the Magnificent, is dominant over all his slaves being Himself above creation, the Ever-living, the Mighty, and the All-Powerful. He is the One who subdued all of his creatures; everything in the upper and lower worlds is subservient to His Will, and Authority; whatever He willed to happen will certainly occur and as He wanted it to be, and whatever He willed not to occur will never take place; All creatures are in need of Him, they have no control of good or harm to themselves; nor can they control death nor life nor Resurrection. The most powerful creature is nothing before the domination and power of Allaah, the All-Mighty; the creatures which people have taken as “gods” besides Allaah, cannot protect themselves let alone to dominate others. Allaah, the perfect is His domination deserves to be worshipped alone.

[13][75]Reported by Abu Daawood, Ahmad, and others. It was declared hasan by ibn ‘Adiyy (Al-Kaamil 3:1054) and by al-Bayhaqi (Al-Asmaa’ Was-Sifaat, p. 892), ath-Thahabi (Al-’Uluw, p. 48), and ad-Daarimee (Ar-Rad ‘Ala Al-Jahmiyyah, p.70). Other scholars of hadeeth considered it weak because of the weakness of one of its narrators, Ziyaadah bin Muhammad al-Ansaari. According to al-Bukhaari his hadeeth falls in the category of munkar which, according to him, is a strong state of criticism meaning “denounced”. Other scholars of hadeeth sometimes consider the munkar to mean the absolutely singular (al-fard al-mutlaq) narration which is not supported by any follow up (mutaaba’ah). [See Shifaa’ul-‘Aleel bi-Alfaath wa Qawaa’id Al-Jarh Watta’deel (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Maktabat al-’Ilm, 1411/1991), pp. 306-311, and Shaykh al-Albaani’s Da’eef Sunan Abee Daawood, no. 839]. However, another hadeeth by Qataadah in which Bani Israa’eel have said :“O Our Rabb!, You are in the heaven, and we are on the earth...,” is declared hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani. [See ath-Thahabi’s Al-’Uluw (Beirut, Lebanon: al-Maktab al-Islaami, 1412/1991; checked by Shaykh al-Albaani)], no. 107.
[14][76]As in the long hadeeth of Jaabir (رضي الله عنهما) describing the Farewell Hajj of the Prophet (r) which was reported by Muslim in his Saheeh (English Translation), vol. 2. pp. 611-617.
[15][77]This is a clear response to those who say that “Allaah is everywhere.” The Prophet (r) used the term “Where,” and the answer of the girl was “Above.” Those who say that Allaah is exalted above any particular direction are to be asked, “What do you mean by ‘direction’?” If they deny that Allaah is above the creation because it would mean that He is in a “particular direction,” then they are wrong because there is no one from the creation who exalted Allaah more than the Prophet (r), and yet he (r) affirmed that He I is above the heavens and pointed skyward because it is a direction of ‘uluw. This direction of ‘uluw does not limit, contain, or envelop Allaah, the Most Great. Nothing is above Him, the Most High. Are they more eloquent in speech than the Prophet (r)? Are they more sincere with respect to the teachings of this deen than the Prophet (r)? Certainly they are not. And the Prophet (r) did not intend confusion to his followers. Had there been any false meaning necessitated by affirming the ‘uluw of Allaah the way the Prophet (r) affirmed, he would have made it clear. The texts, however, do not necessitate the false conclusions made by those who deny the ‘uluw of Allaah in His Essence above the creation. Neither in the Qur’aan nor in the authentic sunnah, does the affirmation of the ‘uluw imply hat Allaah is contained in a place or that he is a compounded body (jism), or “within limits,” for He is above everything and that there is no creation above the world, there is only Allaah above everything.

[16][78]People naturally raise their hands and seek the direction of ‘uluw (highness) in their hearts when they supplicate Allaah, the Most High. This does not mean that they do so because the sky is the qiblah of invocation just as the ka’bah is the qiblah (direction) of the prayer as claimed by those who deny the ‘uluw of Allaah is His Essence! There is no legal evidence that the sky is the qiblah of du’aa. Had this been one of the proven matters, it would have been known by the salaf. In addition, the qiblah of invocation is the qiblah of the prayer. It is praiseworthy that the Muslim face the qiblah while making du’aa. In fact the Prophet (r) faced the qiblah many times and invoked Allaah, the Most High. A qiblah is something which a person is face to face with, just like the positions in the prayer, invocation, thikr, sacrifice, etc. Had the sky been the qiblah of du’aa then it would have been permissible for the Muslim to invoke Allaah turning his face up in its direction, something which is not legally approved. Linguistically, the upward position towards which the hands are raised is not called a qiblah. Directing the heart upward while in a state of du’aa is something ingrained in the fitrah and done by the Muslim, the kaafir, the learned and the ignorant, especially in times of distress. The one facing the qiblah knows well that Allaah is not there, however, while in a state of du’aa the person turns to his Creator who is above the creation. He does not turn towards the sky seeking refuge in something created, but he seeks the Creator of the heavens and the earth who is High above the entire creation. Ask those in times of distress, “Do you turn towards the heavens or to Allaah who is above the heavens?” Naturally they turn to Allaah.
[17][79]Al-Juwayyni, ‘Abdul Maalik ibn ‘Abdullaah ibn Yusuf ibn Muhammad Abul Ma’aali (419/1028-478/1085), nicknamed imaamul haramayyn (the Imaam of the Two Sanctuaries i.e. Makkah and Madeenah) because he lived in Makkah for four years and then moved to Madeenah where he taught. Originally he was from Juwayyn (present-day Afghanistan). He was a Shaafi’ee scholar and an Ash’arite. It is important to remember that he ((رحمه الله is said to have been the first to resort to the figurative interpretation of the sifaat. He, however, retracted from this position, but like many of the late ashaa’irah, he resorted to tafweed: consigning the meaning of the sifaat to Allaah claiming that the thaahir (obviously-understood meaning), is not the intended meaning, something which they erroneously attributed to the salaf. The truth, however, is that the salaf, affirm the obviously understood meaning of the Attributes of Allaah, but they consign the manner (i.e. the “how”) of the sifaat to Allaah U. For example, the obvious meaning of Pleasure is known. We affirm it to Allaah as He has affirmed to Himself. The manner of Allaah’s Pleasure, however, is consigned to Allaah. So the Pleasure of Allaah is true and like all of His Attributes, nothing is like unto Him in His Pleasure. The kayyfiyah (specification, i.e. how is His Pleasure) is known only to Allaah. Imaam ath-Thahabi reported that before his death, al-Juwayyni denounced scholastic theology and fully supported the position of the salaf. (Al-’Uluw, p. 175, checked by Shaykh al-Albaani).
[18][80]Meaning that Allaah was and there was no ‘arsh as confirmed by the full report in ath-Thahabi’s Al-’Uluw (p. 276, no. 337; checked by Shaykh al-Albaani).
[19][81]Meaning that He is not ascending above His ‘arsh.
[20][82]Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Hasan ibn Muhammad al-Hamadaani (d. 531/1137).
[21][83]Because the proof for the ‘arsh is sam’ee, meaning it is established by evidence from the Qur’aan and (or) authentic sunnah. Had it not been established through this means, we would have not known of it.
[22][84]i.e. because of the Transcendence of Allaah. In the detailed report, al-Hamadaani said: “Whenever an ‘aarif says: ‘O! Allaah,’ except that before his tongue starts moving, a compelling intention arises in his heart. It neither turns to the left nor to the right but heads for above. Do you have a way to avert this necessitated intention?” His saying “heads for above” affirms that it seeks Allaah who is absolutely above the universe, it does not turn to the heavens nor to the ‘arsh because these are created things.