This objection is invalid and does not help your case, for the existence of the Creator—glorified and exalted be He—is established by self-evident knowledge, revelation, reason, and common agreement. Either He is separate from the world and above it, or He is within the world, occupying the same space as it, or He is neither.

If you say that He occupies the same space as the world, your argument fails. For if you allow that He descends while He Himself is in every place, then, in your view, it would not be impossible for what is above the Throne to be without Him. Indeed, it is always without Him, since, according to you, nothing exists there. You are then asked: “Is it conceivable, on this account, that He is in every place and nevertheless descends to the lowest heaven?”

If you say, “Yes,” you are asked: “When He descends, are some places left without Him, or not?”

If you say, “Some places are left without Him,” this is analogous to the Throne being left without Him. If you say, “No place is left without Him,” this is analogous to the Throne not being left without Him. If you allow that no place is left without Him, your opponent may allow that the Throne is not left without Him.

Thus, your own position entails the very consequence entailed by your opponent’s. Indeed, your position is further removed from what is rationally conceivable, for the descent of One who is above the world is more readily conceivable than the descent of one who indwells the entire world. The latter’s descent is wholly inconceivable. You have fallen into the equivalent of the very indwelling you sought to avoid. Indeed, your opponent, who allows that He is above the world, that He is greater than the world, and that He descends to the world, shows greater reverence for Allah than you do.

He is also asked: “Is it conceivable that there are two independently existing entities, one occupying the same space as the other?”

If he says, “No,” his position is invalidated. If he says, “Yes,” he is told: “Then let it be conceivable that He is above the Throne and descends to the lowest heaven without the Throne being left without Him, for this is more rationally conceivable than your saying that He indwells the world.”