—two interpretations: one maintained by the early generation (salaf) and another put forward by the later generation (khalaf). The salaf hold that the words, “The Most Merciful rose above the Throne” (Taha 20:5), mean that He ascended and is exalted above it. For that very reason we say in every prostration, “Glory be to my Lord, the Most High,” in fulfilment of His command, “Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High” (al-A‘la 87:1).

The second interpretation is the one given by Shaykh al-Sha‘rāwī: that “rose above the Throne” means “took possession of it.” This reading is utterly invalid. Why? Because it suggests that there was a contest between Him and someone else, and that Allah overpowered that rival and seized his dominion. Would any Muslim say such a thing? Do you follow me?

Interjection: Yes.

Shaykh: He rendered “The Most Merciful rose above the Throne” as “took possession,” so who, then, was in possession of it before? Was there a creator alongside Allah—far exalted is He! And then, to compound matters—adding insult to injury—when he was confronted with the earlier question, “Where is Allah?” he bristled, his hair stood on end, and declared, “It is impermissible to ask such a question,” even though this very question was posed by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in one of the soundest hadith transmitted by Imam Muslim in his Sahih. You have certainly heard that the most authentic books after the Quran are Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, have you not? Very well, the hadith I am about to cite is recorded in Sahih Muslim. Thus, this esteemed man al-Sha‘rāwī, who has won people’s hearts, must be one of two types with regard to that hadith: either he is aware of it yet denies it, or he is ignorant of it and therefore fails to uphold it. As the saying goes, both alternatives are bitter: if he knew and deviated, that is more perilous than not knowing. Even so, ignorance might be excused in the average person, but for someone who sets himself up to guide the entire Muslim world and direct it, this