against the Jahmiyyah, the Qadariyyah, and others. In his refutation of the Jahmiyyah, he said:

“Chapter: The Jahmī’s statement concerning the words of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic: ‘The Most Merciful established Himself over the Throne’ {5} [Tā Hā 5].

The Jahmiyyah claim that Allah’s words, ‘The Most Merciful established Himself over the Throne’ {5}, mean only that He gained mastery over it, just as the Arabs say, ‘So-and-so established himself over Egypt,’ or ‘So-and-so established himself over Syria,’ meaning that he gained mastery over it.

Chapter: Clarification of this matter

He should be asked: ‘Could any creature of Allah have passed through a period during which Allah did not have mastery over it?’ If he says, ‘No,’ he should be told: ‘Whoever claims that is an unbeliever.’ He should also be told: ‘Your position requires you to say that the Throne passed through a period during which Allah did not have mastery over it.’ For Allah has stated that He created the Throne—indeed, He created the heavens and the earth. Allah Most High said:

‘And it is He who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and His Throne was upon the water’ [Hūd 7].

He thus stated