the polytheists and would be lightened for them because of the obedience of those who obey. This is impermissible, since it entails holding them accountable for the actions of others. This is not the case if we understand it as the weight of the Essence, for that does not entail such a consequence: the weight of His Essence upon them is a task assigned to them, and He may make their task heavier or lighter.’”

I say: The purpose here is to draw attention to the basis of what people have said on this matter. As for lightness, heaviness, and the like, we may discuss these in their proper place, if Allah wills. Certain groups among the philosophers say that the heavens are neither light nor heavy. They say: “A heavy body is one that moves downward, toward the centre, while a light body is one that moves upward, away from the centre. The celestial spheres are spherical and move neither upward nor downward; hence we describe them as neither heavy nor light.” Likewise, they do not attribute to them any of the four natures. This dispute may be merely verbal, or it may