“They have certainly disbelieved who say, ‘Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary.’” [al-Mā’idah 72]

He turned to the singer and said to him, “Say:

‘You are not the very being of the universe; rather, You are other than it.
Whoever is truthful bears witness to this truth.’”

This is a well-known incident, related to me by more than one person who witnessed it. This shaykh did well to recite this verse in refutation of that poetry, which expresses the doctrines of heretics and those who profess the identity of God and creation.

They also thereby drew attention to the misguidance of those who say that they are Allah or that Allah is within them—those who profess union and particular indwelling. For Muslims know, through the immediate evidence of their senses and reason, that Allah is not within their bodies or their innards.

Imām Ahmad then cited the scriptural texts as evidence, saying: Allah has informed us that He is in heaven. He, glorified be He, says:

“Do you feel secure that He who is in heaven will not cause the earth to swallow you, and suddenly it begins to shake? {16} Or do you feel secure that He who is in heaven will not send against you a storm of stones?” [al-Mulk 16–17]—to the end of the verse.

He also says:

“To Him ascends good speech, and righteous deeds raise it.” [Fātir 10]

And He says:

“I will take you and raise you to Myself.” [Āl ‘Imrān 55]

And He says:

“Rather, Allah raised him to Himself.” [al-Nisā’ 158]

And He says:

“To Him belong all who are in the heavens and the earth, and those who are with Him.” [al-Anbiyā’ 19]

And He says:

“They fear their Lord above them and do what they are commanded.” {50} [al-Nahl 50]

And He says:

“Possessor of the ways of ascent. {3} The angels and the Spirit ascend to Him.” [al-Ma‘ārij 3–4]

And He says:

“He is the Subduer, above His servants.” [al-An‘ām