for the hadith indicates that Allah is above the Throne, while the fact that the Throne is the roof of creation indicates that it encompasses creation.

Anyone who interprets it as meaning, “It descended upon Allah’s knowledge,” as al-Tirmidhī did, has not understood the actual state of affairs. However, since he belonged to Ahl al-Sunnah and knew that Allah is above the Throne, but did not understand the configuration of created things, he feared that a Jahmī might interpret it to mean that Allah is intermingled with creation, and so he explained it in this way. Otherwise, everything the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said is true, with its parts confirming one another. Sound knowledge established through reason likewise confirms and bears witness to what the Messenger brought.

We therefore say: once it becomes clear that we know what has been established concerning the roundness of the celestial spheres, it is evident that anyone who denies this contradicts all the evidence. However, someone who suspends judgment before the matter is clarified has done what is required. The same applies to someone whose information on the matter has always come from a source he does not trust. For the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“When the People of the Book relate something to you, neither affirm nor deny what they say.”

That some celestial motions cause certain events is not to be denied; rather, this should either be accepted or left unchallenged. Nevertheless, astrological prognostication is false on rational grounds and forbidden by religious law. This is because the motion of a celestial sphere, even if it has an effect, does not act independently; rather, the influence of spirits and others