any creature of Allah Most High that has passed through a period during which Allah was not in control of it?

If he says, ‘No,’ he is told, ‘Whoever claims that there was is a disbeliever.’ He is then told, ‘You are bound to say that the Throne passed through a period during which Allah was not in control of it. For Allah Most High has stated that He created the Throne before creating the heavens and the earth. Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says:

‘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 that the Throne was upon the water before the creation of the heavens and the earth. Then He created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six days; then the Most Merciful established Himself over the Throne—so ask about Him one who is well informed.

And He, Most High, says:

‘Those who bear the Throne and those around it glorify their Lord with praise.’ [Ghāfir: 7]

And He, Most High, says:

‘Then He turned to the heaven and fashioned them into seven heavens, and He has knowledge of all things (29).’ [al-Baqarah: 29]

And He, Most High, says:

‘Then He turned to the heaven while it was smoke.’ [Fussilat: 11]

He thus stated that He established Himself over the Throne. You are therefore bound to say that, during the period when the Throne existed before the creation of the heavens and the earth, Allah was not in control of it, since, in your view, “established Himself over the Throne” means “took control.” Thus, according to his claim, He established Himself over it only at that time, not before.

‘Imrān ibn Husayn narrated that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: ‘Accept