supposing the same of the Lord. If that is so, his assertion—“Supposing the Lord’s Essence were to be to the right or left of the world, He would not be characterized by elevation, whereas the direction above cannot be conceived as devoid of elevation”—is unquestionably false. Rather, if it is something that can bear attributes and be described as elevated, and that exists in a direction, then its being devoid of the attribute of elevation is, on any supposition, more readily conceivable than Allah’s being devoid of that attribute. If, however, it is something that cannot bear this attribute and does not exist in a direction, then it is a nonentity. It cannot be said to be above the world, let alone that its elevation is intrinsic and that the Creator’s elevation depends upon it.

The eleventh point: Many Muslims who affirm the divine attributes and say that the Lord is above the world and above the Throne maintain that motion and movement from place to place are impossible for Him, and that He cannot conceivably move to the right or left, let alone be devoid of the attribute of elevation. Thus, what you have supposed concerning the Creator is impossible. Indeed, even your own associates who say that He is above the Throne maintain this. And if this supposition is impossible according to them,