the angels of Allah Most High, who are “those who arrange affairs” [al-Nāziʿāt: 5] and “those who distribute by command” [al-Dhāriyāt: 4], and of whom Allah has related other such things. Reason, too, bears this out.

The discussion of this and similar matters belongs elsewhere. Our purpose here is to show that the difficulty raised in the question disappears under every assumption. The answer will thus rest on arguments grounded in knowledge, rather than imitation or premises merely conceded. Once we demonstrate that the answer holds under every assumption, as we shall explain, it will not affect our argument that one of these assumptions corresponds to reality—even though we know which one does. Formulating the answer on one particular assumption rather than another, and establishing that assumption, would require a lengthy discussion unnecessary here. An answer that holds under every assumption is both better and more concise.

The second point:

It may be said: Whether the Throne is the ninth celestial sphere, a body encompassing the ninth sphere, something above it in the direction of the earth’s surface without encompassing it, or something otherwise described, it must be understood that the upper and lower worlds are exceedingly small in relation to the Creator Most High. As He, Most High, says:

“They have not appraised Allah with true appraisal, while the earth entirely will be within His grasp on the Day of Resurrection, and the heavens will be folded in His right hand. Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him.” [al-Zumar: 67]

In the two Sahīh collections, Abū Hurayrah reports that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Allah, Blessed and Most High, will grasp the earth on the Day of Resurrection and fold up the heaven in His right hand. Then He will say: ‘I am the King! Where are the kings of the earth?’”