that are false, such as supposing that the apparent meaning of His words, “In heaven,” is that heaven supports Him or covers Him. This is false by the consensus of the people of knowledge and faith. For Allah’s Footstool encompasses the heavens and the earth, and He is the One who keeps the heavens and the earth from passing away and holds back the sky from falling upon the earth except by His permission.

“And among His signs is that the heaven and the earth stand by His command.”

Section

Included in this is belief that He is near to His creation and answers their supplications, as He brings these two matters together in His words:

“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I answer the supplication of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.”

To the end of the verse. Also included are the words of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, to the Companions when they raised their voices in remembrance of Allah:

“O people, take it easy on yourselves. You are not calling upon one who is deaf or absent. The One upon whom you call is nearer to each of you than the neck of his mount.”

What is mentioned in the Book and the Sunnah concerning His nearness and His being with His creation does not contradict what is mentioned concerning His exaltedness and His being above them. For there is nothing like Him, glorified is He, in any of His attributes. He is exalted in His nearness and near in His exaltedness.