created; whatever He brings about through His action, command, creation, and bringing into being is an effect—brought into being and created.”

He later said:

Chapter: The words of Allah Most High:

“Intercession does not benefit with Him except for one whom He permits,”

through to His words:

“What has your Lord said? They will say, ‘The truth.’” (Sabaʾ: 23)

They did not say, “What has your Lord created?”

Allah, mighty and majestic, says:

“Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?” (al-Baqarah: 255)

Masrūq reported from Ibn Masʿūd:

“When Allah speaks revelation, the inhabitants of the heavens hear something. Then, when fear is lifted from their hearts and the sound subsides, they recognize that it is the truth and call out:

‘What has your Lord said? They will say, “The truth.”’” (Sabaʾ: 23)

It is also reported from Jābir ibn ʿAbd Allāh ibn Unays: “I heard the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say: ‘Allah will gather His servants and call to them in a voice heard by those far away just as it is heard by those nearby: I am the King; I am the Judge.’”

He also cited a hadith narrated by Abū Hurayrah from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who said:

“When Allah decrees a matter in heaven, the angels beat their wings in submission to His words, which sound like a chain upon smooth stone. Then, when fear is lifted from their hearts, they ask: ‘What has your Lord said?’