the palm. Thus, when they wish to deny the presence of any amount, small or great, they use this measure, saying: “There is not a palm-sized patch of cloud in the sky.” This is like expressions of comprehensive negation such as:

“Indeed, Allah does not wrong even an atom’s weight,”

and:

“They do not possess even the thin membrane of a date stone,”

and similar expressions. The Messenger thus explained that none of the Throne remains to spare—not even this slight amount, four fingers’ breadth, which is the smallest measure used. This is a sound meaning, consistent with the Arabic language, with what the Book and the Sunnah indicate, and with the Messenger’s manner of explaining things; it also has supporting evidence. It can therefore be affirmed with certainty that this is what the hadith says.

Those who said, “Nothing remains to spare except four fingers’ breadth,” did not understand this meaning. They thought that he had made an exception, so they introduced an exception and were mistaken. Rather, it reinforces the negation and confirms that it is comprehensive. Otherwise, what wisdom would there be in leaving four fingers’ breadth of the Throne unoccupied? These fingers are human fingers, for that is what the expression is understood to mean. Why, then, would the Lord not have risen over this slight portion, when the Throne is small before the greatness of Allah Most High?

There is also a hadith narrated by Ibn Abī Hātim concerning His words, “Vision cannot encompass Him.” Its meaning has supporting evidence that points to this. We should therefore examine the hadith and establish the agreement between the Book and the Sunnah. Such is the matter, and Allah knows best.