Nor is it known that any of the early generations said that Allah Most High intends by them something other than their apparent meaning, let alone said that anything must be asserted with certainty. Rather, the expression “apparent meaning” admits more than one meaning. It may refer to something resembling the attributes of created beings; this is what the early generations denied, as both Scripture and reason indicate. Allah Most High says:

“There is nothing like unto Him.” [al-Shūrā 11]

And He, Most High, says:

“And there is none comparable to Him.” (4) [al-Ikhlās 4]

And He, Most High, says:

“Do you know of any equal to Him?” (65) [Maryam 65]

Whoever says that, when He rises over the Throne, He does so as a king does, such that He needs the Throne, is making a reprehensible comparison. Allah Most High has no need of anything besides Himself, whereas the Throne and every created thing depend upon Allah Most High in every respect. By His power, He upholds the Throne and its bearers. The same applies to anyone who says that He descends as a created being descends, so that He remains beneath