Does Ibn Taymiyyah's statement "He descends, and the 'Arsh (Throne) is not empty of Him" mean that Allah is surrounded by the 'Arsh, or within its space, or distinct from it?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah says that Allah, while descending to the lowest heaven, remains above the 'Arsh (Throne), and creatures are not devoid of Him. Rather, He is the Most High, the Exalted, and creatures cannot encompass Him. The 'Arsh is included among creatures. It is correct that He, the Exalted, is high above the 'Arsh, distinct from His creation. The heavens do not confine the Lord; He is above His heavens, upon His 'Arsh, distinct from His creation.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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