664 – It was mentioned by Ali ibn al-Rabi al-Tamimi, the Quran reciter. He said: Abdullah ibn Abi Dawud related to us. He said: Salamah ibn Shabib related to us. He said: Mahdi ibn Jafar related to us, from Jafar ibn Abdullah, who said:

“A man came to Malik ibn Anas and said, ‘O Abu Abdullah, “The Most Merciful rose over the Throne.” [Ta Ha 20:5] How did He rise over it?’

“I had never seen Malik become as distressed by anything as he was by this man’s statement. He broke out in sweat—that is, perspiration. The people lowered their heads and waited to see what he would say concerning it. Then Malik’s distress subsided, and he said: ‘The manner is inconceivable, while His rising over is not unknown. Belief in it is obligatory, and asking about it is an innovation. I fear that you are astray.’ He then ordered that the man be expelled.”