remembering His greatness and might—just as it is said, “Truth is heavy and bitter,” without referring to the heaviness of bodies. And He, glorified be He, said: “Indeed, We will cast upon you a weighty word.” {5} [al-Muzzammil 5].’”

Al-Qādī said: “The response is: ‘This is mistaken, because awe and reverence accompany them in all their states and cannot depart from them. Thus He, glorified be He, said: “They glorify Him night and day, never faltering.” {20} [al-Anbiyā’ 20]. As for the expressions cited, “Truth is heavy” and “So-and-so’s speech is heavy,” these are not understood as referring to the heaviness of an essence because they are meanings, and meanings cannot be described as heavy or light. That is not the case here, since the essence is neither meanings nor accidents, and may therefore be described as heavy. As for His words, exalted be He, “Indeed, We will cast upon you a weighty word” {5} [al-Muzzammil 5], the scholars of transmitted reports have explained that what is meant is the weightiness of its injunctions; moreover, speech is not an essence.’”

He said: “If it is said: ‘This should be understood to mean that He creates in the Throne a weight upon their shoulders, making that a sign for them in certain circumstances when the polytheists rise,’ the response is: ‘This is mistaken, because it implies that it would weigh heavily upon them because of the disbelief of