toward heaven. Later generations then inherited this from their predecessors, sharing the same mental image. It is thus clear that this arises from familiarity, so it cannot be correct. As for the hadith of the slave woman, it is not a mass-transmitted report. Moreover, even if it were authentic, it would be explained by the familiarity we have mentioned.” End quote.

There are several points to make in response to what he has said.

First: Inferring that Allah is above from the raising of hands and eyes toward heaven during supplication is an argument used by those among the early and later generations who affirm the divine attributes. It is not exclusive to the Karrāmiyyah. Indeed, among its best-known proponents are the leading authorities of his own school: al-Ash‘arī and his associates.

Abū al-Hasan al-Ash‘arī said:

“If someone asks what you say about Allah’s rising over the Throne, he should be told that Allah is established over His Throne, as He says:

‘The Most Merciful rose over the Throne.’ [Tā Hā 5]

And He, glorified be He, says:

‘To Him good words ascend, and righteous deeds raise them.’ [Fātir 10]

And He, glorified be He, says:

‘Rather, Allah raised him to Himself.’

And He, glorified be He, says:

‘He directs the affairs from heaven to earth; then they ascend to Him.’ [al-Sajdah 5]