And ‘Umar held two gatherings each day: one for the senior Companions and their elders, and another for the younger ones. He would instruct Ibn ‘Abbās to attend his gathering with the senior Companions. Whenever a question was put to them for an answer, he would say to Ibn ‘Abbās, “Dive deep, O diver! Forge ahead, O champion!” When Ibn ‘Abbās gave an answer, he would endorse it as correct and confirm it.

Once it is established that the Companions’ interpretations are accepted, Ibn ‘Abbās’s interpretations are all the more deserving of acceptance and adherence, for he was a surging ocean of knowledge and the most knowledgeable of the Companions concerning interpretation. Thus, if his interpretation of istiwā’ (rising over) as istiqrār (being settled) is authentically established, we would set its bounds through faith and affirmation, and understand being settled as we understand rising over. We would say that it is not a settling that follows weariness and agitation; rather, it is however He willed and as He wills. Its manner is unknown, and faith in it