the future, for they have said that He has eternally been described as Creator and Provider, although there was neither any creature nor anyone provided for, since the act on His part is assured. The Arabs may likewise speak of a cutting sword, satisfying bread, and thirst-quenching water, even though no cutting has occurred, because the action is assured. Some of our companions argued that He was eternally characterized by lordship when there was no subject of His lordship, and by divinity when there was no one to worship Him. The same reasoning applies to His descent to heaven, His coming in canopies of clouds, and His placing His foot in the Fire.

If it is objected that Ahmad said, in the narration of Hanbal, ‘He is upon the Throne however He wills and in whatever manner He wills,’ whereas attributes of the divine essence are not subject to His will, the answer is that His will here relates to creating the Throne, not to rising over it.”

I say: There is disagreement over this among our companions and others, but this is not the place to discuss it.