, the renowned imam known as Ibn Rāhawayh: “What do you say concerning the words of Allah Most High, ‘There is no private conversation among three’ [al-Mujādilah 7], and the rest of the verse?”

He replied, “Wherever you are, He is nearer to you than your jugular vein, yet He is separate from His creation.” I said to Ishāq, “Upon the Throne, with a limit?” He replied, “Yes, with a limit,” and related this from Ibn al-Mubārak, who said, “He is upon His Throne, separate from His creation, with a limit.”

Harb also said: Ishāq ibn Ibrāhīm said, “It is not permissible to delve into matters concerning Allah Most High as one may delve into the actions of created beings, for Allah Most High says:

‘He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned.’ {23} [al-Anbiyā’ 23]

Nor may anyone form a conception of Allah’s attributes and acts by applying the understanding through which one may reflect upon and examine the affairs of