O people of Yemen, since Banū Tamīm have not accepted them.’ They replied, ‘We accept them. We have come to you to gain understanding of the religion and to ask you about the beginning of this creation: what was there?’ He said, ‘Allah existed, and there was nothing before Him. His Throne was upon the water. Then He created the heavens and the earth.’”

This was rationally consistent with the Throne being a place for Him and the heavens a place for His servants. What is established by the verse he recited, by other verses and hadiths, and by the consensus of the Muslims supports his opponent’s position, not his own.

Fourth: Even if it were supposed that Allah created the Throne after the heavens and the earth, this would not preclude His being upon it, just as He created the heavens after the earth:

“Then He fashioned them into seven heavens, and He has knowledge of all things.” [al-Baqarah 29]

This follows His words:

“It is He who created for you all that is on earth.” [al-Baqarah 29]

He also said:

“Then He turned to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, ‘Come willingly or unwillingly.’ They said, ‘We come willingly.’” [Fussilat 11]

after