this. Likewise, the philosophers reported that their leading figures before Aristotle affirmed this. This is also the position of Abū al-Barakāt, the author of al-Muʿtabar, and others among their later thinkers. Aristotle and his followers, such as al-Fārābī and Ibn Sīnā, however, deny it. Abū ʿAbd Allāh al-Rāzī reported from some of them that affirming this is a necessary implication of the positions of all groups, even if they deny it, and he developed the argument for this.

The statements of the early generations, the leading scholars, and those who transmitted their views concerning this principle are numerous and can be found in works of Quranic commentary and doctrinal foundations.

Ishāq ibn Rāhawayh said:
“Bishr ibn ʿUmar narrated to us: I heard several Quranic commentators say: ‘The Most Merciful rose over the Throne’ means that He ascended.”

Al-Bukhārī said in his Sahīh:
“Abū al-ʿĀliyah said: ‘He rose towards heaven’ means that He ascended.”

He also said:
“Mujāhid said: ‘He rose’ means that He rose above the Throne.”