formulations is used, what he has stated would not constitute proof that something self-subsisting other than a body can be situated in a spatial direction. We shall now present his argument. He said:

“We say: If the Exalted Creator were situated in a spatial direction, He would either occupy more than one spatial locus or occupy only one. The first alternative is untenable, because what occupies one of the two loci would either be identical to what occupies the second or be something different. The former is untenable; otherwise, one and the same thing would occupy two loci simultaneously, which is impossible. If this were conceivable, its equivalent should also be conceivable for a body, such that a single body could occupy two loci simultaneously; yet this is impossible.

“The second possibility is also impossible. First, it would entail the division of His essence, which is impossible, as previously explained. Second, each of His parts being confined to its particular locus would be either necessary or contingent. Both alternatives are untenable, as will be explained.

“As for the assertion that He occupies a single spatial locus, it is untenable for two reasons. First, He would then be of the smallest possible size, and Allah is exalted above that. Second, His occupying that locus would be either necessary or not necessary. The former is untenable, for if His occupying that locus were possible while His occupying any other locus were impossible,