Shaykh al-Islām Abū al-‘Abbās Ahmad ibn ‘Abd al-Halīm ibn ‘Abd al-Salām ibn Taymiyya al-Harrānī, the godly scholar and luminous worshipper—may Allah Most High strengthen him—was asked:

“What do you say concerning the Throne: is it spherical or not? If it is spherical, and Allah is beyond it, encompassing it and distinct from it, what purpose is served by a servant turning towards Allah Most High in supplication and worship, directing himself upwards rather than elsewhere? In that case, when supplicating, there would be no difference between directing oneself upwards and towards any other direction surrounding the supplicant. Yet we find within our hearts an inclination that seeks what is above, turning neither right nor left. Explain to us this compelling impulse that we find in our hearts and with which we have been naturally endowed.

“Give us a full and satisfying answer to this question, one that dispels the doubt and establishes the truth, Allah willing. May Allah make the benefit derived from you and your knowledge endure. Amen.”

He replied—may Allah Most High have mercy on him:

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds.

The answer to this question comprises three discussions: