Another example is the Arab saying:

“There is not a palm’s breadth of cloud in the sky.”

This is because the palm is used (1) to measure areas, just as the cubit is, and the smallest bodily measure by which a person estimates an area is his palm (2). Thus, this became a proverbial expression for the smallest possible amount.

Accordingly, when it is said, “Not even four fingers’ breadth of the Throne extends beyond Him,” it means: “Nothing of it extends beyond Him.” The purpose here is to make clear that Allah is greater and mightier than the Throne.

It is well known that if the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—[had] (3) not said this hadith, then it cannot be held against us. [And if he [had] (4) said it, he did not combine the negative and affirmative forms] (5). If (6) he stated it in the negative form, he did not state it in the affirmative form. [Those who narrated it in the affirmative form] (7) mentioned concerning it what accorded with their own principles, as has been discussed fully elsewhere.

This and similar reports—whether true or false—do not impugn the doctrine of Ahl al-Sunnah or harm them, for even supposing one of them to be false, it is not the position of their community as a whole; rather, the most that can be said of it is