The first position—denying that matters dependent on His will subsist in Him—is that of al-Tamīmī, who agreed with Ibn Kullāb in this, and of al-Qādī Abū Yaʿlā and his followers.

Two other groups say: “Rather, He neither descends nor comes,” as discussed earlier. Some interpret these expressions figuratively, while others entrust their meaning to Allah.

Two further groups suspend judgment. Some say: “We do not know what Allah intended by this,” while others go no further than reciting the Quran.

The great majority of those who identify with the Sunnah and follow the early generations reject interpretations that deny that He Himself is the One who is established and who comes. Yet many of them reject false interpretations while saying: “I do not know what Allah intended by this.” Some say: “This is among the things we have been forbidden to explain, or whose explanation is to be withheld.” Others affirm it as conveyed in the authentic hadiths and the numerous reports from the early generations—the Companions and their successors.

Abū Muhammad al-Baghawī, al-Husayn ibn Masʿūd al-Farrāʾ, known as Muhyī al-Sunnah (Reviver of the Sunnah), said in his Quran commentary:

“Then He rose towards heaven.”

Ibn ʿAbbās and most Quran commentators among the early generations said: “That is, He rose towards heaven.” And al-Farrāʾ and Ibn Kaysān