How sound is the statement: "Indeed, Allah Almighty existed with no place, and He is as He was before the creation of place, not having changed from what He was," and was it mentioned in Tafsir al-Nasafi?

The books of the Ash'arites frequently circulate the phrase, "He was and there was no place, and He is now as He was." Some of them have attributed this to Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) without an authentic chain of transmission.

Their aim with this phrase is to deny Allah Almighty's highness and His ascension (istiwa') over His Throne. The correct belief is that Allah is ascended over His Throne, distinct from His creation, and above all His creation, as stated in His saying: "Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then ascended above the Throne."

Allah's attributes are tawqifiyyah (revealed and not subject to human reasoning); therefore, it is not permissible to describe Him except with what He has described Himself, or what His Messenger has described Him with. Ambiguous terms should be inquired about: if a truth is intended by them, it is accepted; and if falsehood is intended, it is rejected.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Allah was, and there was nothing other than Him." In another narration: "and there was nothing before Him."

So, if the aforementioned phrase in the question intends this meaning, then it is true. However, if it intends to deny ascension (istiwa') and highness, then it is false.