Where is Allah?
Is our Lord everywhere or is He above the heavens?
I will attempt to highlight the main points of the Sunni and Shia perspective in answer to this question and then I will show you how I reached my conclusion on this subject, inshallah.
The Sunni perspective is that Allah is above the creation and He is with us in His knowledge and not in Himself. I really don't understand what that means – I have been told that it means – He is aware of everything as He is the one that created the system of this universe(every atom, nook and cranny) and he knows everything that :happens in it as he designed it (every physic law, every cause and effect of the spiritual law) so he knows what will happen as it has already been written. No leaf falls without His Knowledge.
“With Him are the keys of the unseen, the treasures that none knoweth but He. He knoweth whatever there is on the earth and in the sea. Not a leaf doth fall but with His knowledge: there is not a grain in the darkness (or depths) of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry (green or withered), but is (inscribed) in a record clear (to those who can read).”
Al Anaam( The Cattle) Surah 6:59
He is the All Hearer and the All Seer and He has knowledge of everything. So Allah is NOT in his creation. Assuming that Allah, in essence and his knowledge are separate entities but one in purpose. This is almost the Trinity doctrine recanted for me (being an ex-christian – I am sensitive to such notions). Allah is above his creation. Allah is not in the trees, the rocks, the people etc. He knows about them as He created them – but he is not actually IN them. The Sunni's believe that Allah is on His Throne that befits His majesty.
“And to Allah belong the east and the west, so wherever you turn (yourselves or your faces) there is the Face of Allah (and He is High above, over His throne). Surely! Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knowing.”
Al-Baqara (The Cow) Surah 2:115
“Surely, your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then rose over (Istawa ) the throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty), disposing the affair of all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him) except after His Leave. That is Allah, your Lord; so worship Him (Alone). Then, will you not remember?”
Yunus (Jonah) Surah 10:3
“And He it is Who has created the heavens and the earth in six Days and His throne was on the water, that He might try you, which of you is the best in deeds. But if you were to say to them: "You shall indeed be raised up after death," those who disbelieve would be sure to say, "This is nothing but obvious magic. "
Hud Surah 11:7 (Mohsin Khan Translation)
The preceeding ayah is an interesting one as it mentions that at one stage Allah's throne was on the water!! Did his throne move to the 7th Heaven after creation? I'm sure someone guided can provide some insight into this ayah, inshallah.
The Sunnis also believe that Allah literally has a hand, face, eyes etc but it is nothing like unto His creation as he is Unique. But that is a topic I won't get into as I would like to focus on finding our where Allah is at this point.
Conclusion: Allah is here with us in His Knowledge(All Knowing, All Seeing) and not here Himself. He is on His Throne – which is above the 7th Heaven (not the 7th firmament but the 7th Heaven).
Shia perspective:
The Shia believe that Allah is everywhere. The Throne of Allah is his domain. Heaven and earth are His Throne and not necessarily a place that contains His essence. Allah is closer to us than anything or anyone.
“And indeed We have created man, and We know what his own-self whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein”
Al Caf Surah 50:16
“...And He is with you wheresoever ye may be. And God sees well all that ye do. “
Al Hadid (Iron) Surah 57:4
83”Then why do ye not (intervene) when (the soul of the dying man) reaches the throat 84 And ye the while (sit) looking on 85 But We are nearer to him than ye, and yet see not”
Al Waq'iah (The Imminent ) Surah 56:83-85
“And verily, We shall recount their whole story with knowledge, for We were never absent (at any time or place).”
Al Araf (The Elevations) Surah 7:7
The Shia believe that for Allah to NOT be in a place Himself is Kufar as this places limitation on God. They disagree with the Sunni perspective because it divides Allah into attributes or aspects in function. The Shia believe that God is all compassing and there is no place where He is NOT.
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They generally believe that Heaven and earth are His Throne and Allah does not have a Throne per say where he actually sits and rules from as he does not need a Throne in order to Be or exist.
Conclusion: Allah is everywhere and there is no place that He is NOT.
My Perspective:
Yes, I have reached a conclusion of some sorts that surprisingly agrees with both ideas of Shia and Sunni...well at least to some degree.
I will start answering the question “Where is Allah” in the format on how it was revealed to me or how I researched it, inshallah. In doing so you will understand exactly how I reached my conclusion and if need be for further discussion - you can at least know at which exact point I have not adequately understood. This eliminates duplication on explanation and pin points the exact area that needs tweaking.
My train of thought in the beginning was this: The Angels are in heaven (physical location – as I will prove using Koran) and they get their orders directly from Allah and execute them. If they had to come to human beings with an inspiration – they would do so by ascending from heaven (from above). This notion that I had in the beginning was supported by ayats from the Koran. I don't know Arabic and unfortunately rely heavily on the sometimes biased translations. So if there is an ayah that has been apparently mistranslated by bias – please point out so. The writings in blue are my understanding of the ayats. I ask that you please read my paper to the end before making any comments.
The Koran translations and Arabic writing was taken from: http://al-quran.info
Ayahs about stars in conjunction with the location of the heavenly hosts:
1.) Al Saffat (The Ranged Ones) Surah 37:6-10
6. We have indeed decked the lower heaven with beauty (in) the stars,-
- this is explicitly/unambiguously referring to the physical stars. The referral to stars is in no way or form a metaphor. It is a physical context
إِنَّا زَيَّنَّا ٱلسَّمَآءَ ٱلدُّنْيَا بِزِينَةٍ ٱلْكَوَاكِبِ ﴿٦﴾
7. (For beauty) and for guard against all obstinate rebellious evil spirits,
- this is clearly a continuation of the concept of proceeding ayat – clearly in the physical context as it says for 'beauty and for guard' – so evil spirits are within the physical context. They are affected by the stars as is stated in this ayat. They (evil spirits) are made from smokeless fire which is in turn made of atoms and are therefore created beings within a physical context.
وَحِفْظًۭا مِّن كُلِّ شَيْطَٰنٍۢ مَّارِدٍۢ ﴿٧﴾
8. (So) they should not strain their ears in the direction of the Exalted Assembly but be cast away from every side,
- this ayat is clearly a continuation of the previous ayat so the context is consistently physical. The exalted assembly is above the heavens and evil spirits trying to eavesdrop. Why would they try to strain their ears? - obviously discussions, orders, secret information etc. The stars cast evil spirits away from every side. Exalted Assembly as translated would be referring to the court of the Most High. It depicts an ordered gathering to hear announcements/info to execute orders etc – or to worship. They are in a physical location – being of course that they are created beings that need space to be etc – which I understand that Allah is not.
لَّا يَسَّمَّعُونَ إِلَى ٱلْمَلَإِ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ وَيُقْذَفُونَ مِن كُلِّ جَانِبٍۢ ﴿٨﴾
9. Repulsed, for they are under a perpetual penalty,
دُحُورًۭا ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌۭ وَاصِبٌ ﴿٩﴾
10. Except such as snatch away something by stealth, and they are pursued by a flaming fire, of piercing brightness.
- clearly physical context referring to the physical heaven within our dimensions. This ayat shows that they do manage to steal or eavesdrop on some info but stars pursue them – this is not a metaphor but a clear description of events within the physical dimension.
إِلَّا مَنْ خَطِفَ ٱلْخَطْفَةَ فَأَتْبَعَهُۥ شِهَابٌۭ ثَاقِبٌۭ
2.)Al Hijr (The Hijr) Surah 15: 14 - 18
14. Even if We opened out to them a gate from heaven, and they were to continue (all day) ascending therein,
- this ayat is referring to the sinners/disbelievers. If Allah were to open a gate from heaven for them. You will notice in the proceeding ayats that heaven is not in a different dimension but is within this universe in a physical location.
وَلَوْ فَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَابًۭا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَظَلُّوا۟ فِيهِ يَعْرُجُونَ
15. They would only say: "Our eyes have been intoxicated: Nay, we have been bewitched by sorcery."
- this would be the disbelievers response no matter how evident the proof.
لَقَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا سُكِّرَتْ أَبْصَٰرُنَا بَلْ نَحْنُ قَوْمٌۭ مَّسْحُورُونَ ﴿٥١﴾
16. It is We Who have set out The Zodiacal Signs in the heavens, and made them fairseeming to (all) beholders;
- again consistently referring to the physical stars in the heavens. This ayat is immediately proceeding ayat 15 which was talking about the disbelievers not believing in heaven, it says the zodiacal signs are fairseeming to all who behold them.
وَلَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ بُرُوجًۭا وَزَيَّنَّٰهَا لِلنَّٰظِرِينَ ﴿٦١﴾
17. And (moreover) We have guarded them from every evil spirit accursed:
- this particular ayat is very interesting for me because it specifically talks about guarding the zodiacal signs which are attractive to all who behold them
وَحَفِظْنَٰهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيْطَٰنٍۢ رَّجِيمٍ ﴿٧١﴾
18. But any that gains a hearing by stealth, is pursued by a flaming fire, bright (to see).
- again referring to the evil spirits that try to steal information about revelations that are given only for the Exalted Assembly to hear and execute
إِلَّا مَنِ ٱسْتَرَقَ ٱلسَّمْعَ فَأَتْبَعَهُۥ شِهَابٌۭ مُّبِينٌۭ ﴿٨١﴾
3.) Al Mulk (Sovereignty) Surah 67:5
5. And we have, (from of old), adorned the lowest heaven with Lamps, and We have made such (Lamps) (as) missiles to drive away the Evil Ones, and have prepared for them the Penalty of the Blazing Fire.
- again physical context – unambiguously. Stars used to drive away evil ones. It's talking about lowest heavens adorned with lamps (obviously referring to stars) – it's interesting to note that the stars are adorned in the lowest heavens from old. Stars are not in the earth's firmaments – so “heaven” refers obviously to a level in the universe that is beyond our knowledge and comprehension – as the nearest galaxy is Andromeda and that is so so far away. Suphanallah! Glory to God in the Highest!
وَلَقَدْ زَيَّنَّا ٱلسَّمَآءَ ٱلدُّنْيَا بِمَصَٰبِيحَ وَجَعَلْنَٰهَا رُجُومًۭا لِّلشَّيَٰطِينِ ۖ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لَهُمْ عَذَابَ ٱلسَّعِيرِ ﴿٥﴾
4.) Ar Rahman (The Beneficent) Surah 55: 33-35
33. O ye assembly of Jinns and men! If it be ye can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, pass ye! not without authority shall ye be able to pass!
يَٰمَعْشَرَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ إِنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتُمْ أَن تَنفُذُوا۟ مِنْ أَقْطَارِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنفُذُوا۟ ۚ لَا تَنفُذُونَ إِلَّا بِسُلْطَٰنٍۢ ﴿٣٣﴾
34. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ﴿٤٣﴾
35. On you will be sent (O ye evil ones twain!) a flame of fire (to burn) and a smoke (to choke): no defence will ye have:
- this ayat is self explanatory
يُرْسَلُ عَلَيْكُمَا شُوَاظٌۭ مِّن نَّارٍۢ وَنُحَاسٌۭ فَلَا تَنتَصِرَانِ﴿٥٣﴾
5.) Fussilat (Elaborated) Surah 41:12
So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days, and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command. And We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and (provided it) with guard. Such is the Decree of (Him) the Exalted in Might, Full of Knowledge.
- lights meaning stars (consistent with preceeding ayahs) and guard to ward of evil spirits and this is in the lower heavens – there are 7 spheres within the earths firmament. We know stars are not within the earth's spheres so it could only mean others levels of heavens that we have yet to discover as we have no knowledge of them at this point – maybe beyond galaxies etc? Keeping in mind that it is a physical context. Allah knows best.
فَقَضَىٰهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَٰوَاتٍۢ فِى يَوْمَيْنِ وَأَوْحَىٰ فِى كُلِّ سَمَآءٍ أَمْرَهَا ۚ وَزَيَّنَّا ٱلسَّمَآءَ ٱلدُّنْيَا بِمَصَٰبِيحَ وَحِفْظًۭا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْعَلِيمِ ﴿٢١﴾
6.) Al Jinn (The Jinn) Surah72:8-9
8. And we pried into the secrets of heaven; but we found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires.
- The Jinns are giving an account of how they try eavesdropping on the heavenly assemblies. But find that it is guarded with flaming fires - which is is obviously stars considering all the preceding ayats.
وَأَنَّا لَمَسْنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ فَوَجَدْنَٰهَا مُلِئَتْ حَرَسًۭا شَدِيدًۭا وَشُهُبًۭا ﴿٨﴾
9. We used, indeed, to sit there in (hidden) stations, to (steal) a hearing; but any who listen now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.
- I read a tafseer in the Yusuf Ali translation and it said how the flaming fire could also be referring to the Koran as it is the standard of truth that destroys lies and half-truths to smithereens. If you'll notice how the Jinn is talking in the past tense and then switches to saying 'but now you will find an ambush...” as in – we cant lie now and get away with it as we used to in the past as the final standard that leads into all truths has
come and will expose us. So it is also possible to have a metaphorical interpretation in this particular ayat. As it does not necessarily exclusively just mean stars burning the evil ones but also the Koran refuting half truths etc as implied in the statement of the Jinn.
وَأَنَّا كُنَّا نَقْعُدُ مِنْهَا مَقَٰعِدَ لِلسَّمْعِ ۖ فَمَن يَسْتَمِعِ ٱلْءَانَ يَجِدْ لَهُۥ شِهَابًۭا رَّصَدًۭا ﴿٩﴾
7.) Al -Tur (The Mount) Surah 52:38
“Or have they a ladder, by which they can (climb up to heaven and) listen (to its secrets)? Then let (such a) listener of theirs produce a manifest proof.”
- Again its referring to evil spirits (keeping in mind proceeding ayats) trying to steal revelations or secrets from the Exalted Assembly. But obviously they cant steal everything only bits and pieces and thus their info is filled with deficiencies as it is not the full message.
أَمْ لَهُمْ سُلَّمٌ يَسْتَمِعُونَ فِيهِ ۖ فَلْيَأْتِ مُسْتَمِعُهُم بِسُلْطَانٍ مُّبِينٍ ﴿٨٣﴾
8.) Al Saffat (the Ranged Ones) 37: 84 - 88 & 95
84. Behold! he approached his Lord with a sound heart.
- this ayat is about Abraham and how he approached Allah.
إِذْ جَاءَ رَبَّهُ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ ﴿٤٨﴾
85. Behold! he said to his father and to his people, "What is that which ye worship?"
- It's almost like he's asking them to bring their evidence to justify their worship or ideas
إِذْ قَالَ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوْمِهِ مَاذَا تَعْبُدُونَ ﴿٥٨﴾
86. Is it a falsehood- gods other than God. that ye desire?
أَئِفْكًا آلِهَةً دُونَ اللَّهِ تُرِيدُونَ ﴿٦٨﴾
87. "Then what is your idea about the Lord of the Worlds?"
- I love this question because it almost means I'm going to get an answer – as this is exactly what I am asking – about Lord of the worlds.
فَمَا ظَنُّكُم بِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٧٨﴾
88. Then did he cast a glance at the Stars.
- this may seem like a long shot but I believe that every ayat is not a waste of space but loaded with revelation. For me this is very relevant as he asks the question about Allah and then he glances at the Stars. The other preceding ayats compound this point of view.
فَنَظَرَ نَظْرَةً فِي النُّجُومِ ﴿٨٨﴾
95. He said: "Worship ye that which ye have (yourselves) carved?
-- this not only refers to physical idols made of wood but ideas that we may have carved out ourselves with no authority from Allah.
قَالَ أَتَعْبُدُونَ مَا تَنْحِتُونَ ﴿٥٩﴾
9.)Al Najm (The Star) Surah 53:26
26. How many-so-ever be the angels in the heavens,their intercession will avail nothing except after God has given leave for whom He pleases and that he is acceptable to Him.
-- this ayat makes it unambiguously clear that angels are in heaven. It is stated so. And we know that the Exalted Assembly is in Heaven – in a physical location. As stated in Surah 37: 6-10
۞ وَكَم مِّن مَّلَكٍۢ فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ لَا تُغْنِى شَفَٰعَتُهُمْ شَيْـًٔا إِلَّا مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَن يَأْذَنَ ٱللَّهُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَرْضَىٰٓ ﴿٦٢﴾
10.)Sad (Sad) Surah 38:68-70
67. Say: "That is a Message Supreme (above all),-
قُلْ هُوَ نَبَؤٌا۟ عَظِيمٌ ﴿٧٦﴾
68. "From which ye do turn away!
أَنتُمْ عَنْهُ مُعْرِضُونَ ﴿٨٦﴾
69. "No knowledge have I of the Chiefs on high, when they discuss (matters) among themselves.
- to me the phrase “chiefs of high” is indicative of the Exalted Assembly as stated in previous ayats. Mohammed (pbbuh) states that he has no knowledge of what they discuss but only what they revealed to him as stated in the proceeding ayat.
مَا كَانَ لِىَ مِنْ عِلْمٍۭ بِٱلْمَلَإِ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰٓ إِذْ يَخْتَصِمُونَ ﴿٩٦﴾
70. Only this has been revealed to me: that I am to give warning plainly and publicly."
إِن يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ إِلَّآ أَنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ نَذِيرٌۭ مُّبِينٌ ﴿۰٧﴾
We can say with some confidence that based on all the preceding ayats- we have clearly established that the the Exalted Assembly is located in heaven – a physical location that is guarded by shooting stars. Evil Spirits try stealing information from the discussions of the heavenly hosts but are burnt by a scorching flame that pursues them.
Conclusion from these ayats: Angels are in heaven, heaven is a physical location, stars adorn the lowest heavens for beauty and guard against evil spirits.
Now onto the next level of discussion. Please read on...
Ayahs about the heavenly hosts in conjunction with the location of the Throne of Allah:
Just very quickly – Angels are made from light:
‘Aa’ishah reported: "The Messenger of Allah said: ‘The angels are created from light, just as the jinn are created from smokeless fire and mankind is created from what you have been told about.’" (Reported by Muslim, no. 2996).
Light is made from particles and waves. It has dual nature – it either behaves as a wave or a particle. Light is made up of photons – what are photons? Photons are particles like electrons and protons but they are lighter in mass as they are not matter – rather they are a wave of energy so to speak. The reason why I am explaining this is to demonstrate that Angels are created beings and have some kind of form and need a place/space to exist. Please read on...
1.)Al Furqan (The Criterion) Surah 25: 25-26
25. The Day the heaven shall be rent asunder with clouds, and angels shall be sent down, descending (in ranks),-
- this is a scene taken from judgment day. It will be an awesome sight when angels shall be sent down...descending in ranks – from heaven (we are clear on where heaven is)
وَيَوْمَ تَشَقَّقُ ٱلسَّمَآءُ بِٱلْغَمَٰمِ وَنُزِّلَ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ تَنزِيلًا ﴿٥٢﴾
26. That Day, the dominion as of right and truth, shall be (wholly) for (God)3083 Most Merciful: it will be a Day of dire difficulty for the Disbelievers.
ٱلْمُلْكُ يَوْمَئِذٍ ٱلْحَقُّ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ ۚ وَكَانَ يَوْمًا عَلَى ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ عَسِيرًۭا﴿٦٢﴾
2.)Al Zumar (The Throngs) Surah 39: 74-75
74. They will say: "Praise be to God, Who has truly fulfilled His Promise to us, and has given us (this) land in heritage: We can dwell in the Garden as we will: how excellent a reward for those who work (righteousness)!"
-this scene is after judgment has been passed on Judgment Day...
وَقَالُوا۟ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى صَدَقَنَا وَعْدَهُۥ وَأَوْرَثَنَا ٱلْأَرْضَ نَتَبَوَّأُ مِنَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ حَيْثُ نَشَآءُ ۖ فَنِعْمَ أَجْرُ ٱلْعَٰمِلِينَ ﴿٤٧﴾
75. And thou wilt see the angels surrounding the Throne (Divine) on all sides, singing Glory and Praise to their Lord. The Decision between them (at Judgment) will be in (perfect) justice, and the cry (on all sides) will be, "Praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds!"
- how interesting is this ayat!! the angels (physical beings) surrounding the Throne Divine on all sides, singing Glory and Praise to their Lord. Angels surrounding the Throne of Allah...and singing praises to Him. So there is an actual Throne. This is no metaphor or referring to a domain. It is clearly a physical throne that is surrounded by angels from all sides. Does this Throne contain our Lord?!!
وَتَرَى ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةَ حَآفِّينَ مِنْ حَوْلِ ٱلْعَرْشِ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ ۖ وَقُضِىَ بَيْنَهُم بِٱلْحَقِّ وَقِيلَ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ
3.) Al Gafir (The Forgiver) Surah 40:7
7. Those who sustain the Throne (of God. and those around it Sing Glory and Praise to their Lord; believe in Him; and implore Forgiveness for those who believe: "Our Lord! Thy Reach is over all things, in Mercy and Knowledge. Forgive, then, those who turn in Repentance, and follow Thy Path; and preserve them from the Penalty of the Blazing Fire!
- those who sustain the Throne of God and those around it singing to their Lord. The Throne of Allah. This is curious as the throne is being sustained by beings. I can't reconcile this as I know that God does not need a space to be and cant be contained as he is NOT made from atoms and is not like anything created. To have Allah in a throne is limiting him.
ٱلَّذِينَ يَحْمِلُونَ ٱلْعَرْشَ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهُۥ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَيُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِۦ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍۢ رَّحْمَةًۭ وَعِلْمًۭا فَٱغْفِرْ لِلَّذِينَ تَابُوا۟ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ سَبِيلَكَ وَقِهِمْ عَذَابَ ٱلْجَحِيمِ ﴿٧﴾
The three (3) preceding ayats stumped me but then I recalled what Allah said in the Koran:
Yunus (Jonah) Surah 10:94
94. If thou wert in doubt as to what We have revealed unto thee, then ask those who have been reading the Book from before thee: the Truth hath indeed come to thee from thy Lord: so be in no wise of those in doubt.
فَإِن كُنتَ فِى شَكٍّۢ مِّمَّآ أَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكَ فَسْـَٔلِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَقْرَءُونَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مِن قَبْلِكَ ۚ لَقَدْ جَآءَكَ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْمُمْتَرِينَ ﴿٤٩﴾
Al-Shura (The Counsel) Surah 42:3
3. Thus doth (He) send inspiration to thee as (He did) to those before thee, God, Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.
كَذَٰلِكَ يُوحِىٓ إِلَيْكَ وَإِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ
Al Ghafir (The Forgiver) Surah 40:23
23. Of old We sent Moses, with Our Signs and an authority manifest,
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مُوسَىٰ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَسُلْطَٰنٍۢ مُّبِينٍ ﴿٣٢﴾
So I took the hint and took a look into Judaism and Christianity. Here's hoping they have some preserved revelations of truth that God has sent.
Everything in the universe was created by G-d and only by G-d. Judaism completely rejects the dualistic notion that evil was created by Satan or some other deity. All comes from G-d. As Isaiah said, "I am the L-rd, and there is none else. I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create evil. I am the L-rd, that does all these things." (Is. 45:6-7).
G-d is Incorporeal
Although many places in scripture and Talmud speak of various parts of G-d's body (the Hand of G-d, G-d's wings, etc.) or speak of G-d in anthropomorphic terms (G-d walking in the garden of Eden, G-d laying tefillin, etc.), Judaism firmly maintains that G-d has no body. Any reference to G-d's body is simply a figure of speech, a means of making G-d's actions more comprehensible to beings living in a material world. Much of Rambam's Guide for the Perplexed is devoted to explaining each of these anthropomorphic references and proving that they should be understood figuratively.
We are forbidden to represent G-d in a physical form. That is considered idolatry. The sin of the Golden Calf incident was not that the people chose another deity, but that they tried to represent G-d in a physical form.
G-d is Omnipresent!!
G-d is in all places at all times. He fills the universe and exceeds its scope. He is always near for us to call upon in need, and He sees all that we do. Closely tied in with this idea is the fact that G-d is universal. He is not just the G-d of the Jews; He is the G-d of all nations.
G-d is Omnipotent
G-d can do anything. It is said that the only thing that is beyond His power is the fear of Him; that is, we have free will, and He cannot compel us to do His will. This belief in G-d's omnipotence has been sorely tested during the many persecutions of Jews, but we have always maintained that G-d has a reason for allowing these things, even if we in our limited perception and understanding cannot see the reason.
G-d is Omniscient
G-d knows all things, past, present and future. He knows our thoughts.
G-d is Eternal
G-d transcends time. He has no beginning and no end. He will always be there to fulfill his promises. When Moses asked for G-d's name, He replied, "Ehyeh asher ehyeh." That phrase is generally translated as, "I am that I am," but the word "ehyeh" can be present or future tense, meaning "I am what I will be" or "I will be what I will be." The ambiguity of the phrase is often interpreted as a reference to G-d's eternal nature.
( http://www.jewfaq.org/g-d.htm )
Where is God?
Most people imagine God being everywhere, expanding and filling up everything. But to be everywhere, you need a space. And space hasn't been created yet! Infinite means beyond space. Boundless. Incorporeal. No boundaries, no mass, no place.
If it feels like your mind just hit a wall, relax. It means you're getting a sense of the infinite dimension. There is a built-in difficulty in trying to grasp "beyond space" because we're stuck in a finite world. Everything we perceive is filtered through our finite minds with finite vocabulary. Even though we seem to define the quality of being beyond space, we can't fully grasp what our definition really means.
Besides infinity in space, there is also infinity in time. Even though he can move wherever he wants in time, he constantly remains within the framework of time. This second limitation is a result of the finite aspect of time travel. How can one person be at two places at two times all at the same time?! Impossible -- unless you are infinite, completely unencumbered and above time. Being outside of the time-line means being at all places at all times --all at the same time.
A being that exists beyond time doesn't come from anywhere. He has always existed. If something created God, God would have a beginning and He'd be finite, not infinite. Beyond time means having no beginning and no end. Eternal. It means there is nothing that exists before God. 'Before' is a time-bound quality that applies only to finite entities. Therefore God is called "the First Cause" -- the Prime Mover -- the dimension that has no other dimension preceding it.
Abraham discovers the infinite source of existence, an Eternal Being, unhindered by time and space.
By Rabbi Shraga Simmons(http://judaism.about.com/od/god/f/simmons_godnatu.htm )
I can answer this one as I was a Christian before I reverted to Islam. Christians believe that God is everywhere but can be divided into functions/aspects. These functions/aspects have a life or identity of their own – hence the Trinity doctrine – God is three in one. God the Father was in heaven when Jesus, God the son, was here on earth. When That's why when Jesus did the Lord's prayer – it began as “Our Father who art in heaven...” Christians believe that now that Jesus is in heaven with God the Father – now God the holy spirit is here on earth to be with us. Each God head has a distinct and separate function of their own but they were one. I know...it's a bit of a labyrinth. To separate God's attributes or functions from God himself and place these attributes as a function null and void of God himself - borders on polytheism.
Now back to the original question of the Throne of Allah. Judaism agrees that God is everywhere - not as in He fills every space but as in He encompasses everything - hence when Moses asked about Allah, Allah replied "I Am" as in "HE IS". Christianity says God is everywhere – in certain functions. So what is this Throne of Allah? How can it contain Allah?!!
MY CONCLUSION:
The Throne does not contain Allah – but rather it is for the angels as a central point of worship – an assembly. Why? Because we are all created beings!! Angels are created beings made from light!! Everything is made from something AND NEEDS SPACE TO EXIST – but Allah - is not made. He IS!! He is not made of atoms. He is not made of particles etc. He has no form. HE does not need space or anything to sustain His existence. But we do...and the angels and us (humans) need the Throne of Allah – The Throne is not for Allah to contain him – rather it is for us as a focal point to sing His praises to Him - as is the Kaba here on earth - as is the Throne in heaven.
And … I thought this was just my conclusion - but the icing on the cake is this ( I must say, I found this website after I reached my conclusion and that was a beautiful gesture from Allah to reassure me):
Abu Ja'far who is an eminent scholar among the as-Salaf. He explicitly stated that Allah is clear of being contained by the six directions. The six directions are above, below, in front of, behind, right, and left.
Imam Abu Mansur al-Baghdadi related that Imam 'Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph, said:
which means: "Allah created the Throne as an indication of His power and did not take it as a place for Himself."
Imam Abu Hanifah said in his book from his school al Wasiyyah: " ... and He is the Preserver of the Throne and of other than the Throne without needing it. Had He been in need, He would not have the power to create the world and to manage and preserve it. Moreover, had He been in a place needing to sit and rest before creating the Throne, where was Allah, then?" That is the question: 'where was Allah' would have applied to Him, which is impossible. (http://www.amislam.com/without.htm )
ALHAMDULILAH!!!!!
Is our Lord everywhere or is He above the heavens?
I will attempt to highlight the main points of the Sunni and Shia perspective in answer to this question and then I will show you how I reached my conclusion on this subject, inshallah.
Sunni perspective
The Sunni perspective is that Allah is above the creation and He is with us in His knowledge and not in Himself. I really don't understand what that means – I have been told that it means – He is aware of everything as He is the one that created the system of this universe(every atom, nook and cranny) and he knows everything that :happens in it as he designed it (every physic law, every cause and effect of the spiritual law) so he knows what will happen as it has already been written. No leaf falls without His Knowledge.
“With Him are the keys of the unseen, the treasures that none knoweth but He. He knoweth whatever there is on the earth and in the sea. Not a leaf doth fall but with His knowledge: there is not a grain in the darkness (or depths) of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry (green or withered), but is (inscribed) in a record clear (to those who can read).”
Al Anaam( The Cattle) Surah 6:59
He is the All Hearer and the All Seer and He has knowledge of everything. So Allah is NOT in his creation. Assuming that Allah, in essence and his knowledge are separate entities but one in purpose. This is almost the Trinity doctrine recanted for me (being an ex-christian – I am sensitive to such notions). Allah is above his creation. Allah is not in the trees, the rocks, the people etc. He knows about them as He created them – but he is not actually IN them. The Sunni's believe that Allah is on His Throne that befits His majesty.
“And to Allah belong the east and the west, so wherever you turn (yourselves or your faces) there is the Face of Allah (and He is High above, over His throne). Surely! Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knowing.”
Al-Baqara (The Cow) Surah 2:115
“Surely, your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then rose over (Istawa ) the throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty), disposing the affair of all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him) except after His Leave. That is Allah, your Lord; so worship Him (Alone). Then, will you not remember?”
Yunus (Jonah) Surah 10:3
“And He it is Who has created the heavens and the earth in six Days and His throne was on the water, that He might try you, which of you is the best in deeds. But if you were to say to them: "You shall indeed be raised up after death," those who disbelieve would be sure to say, "This is nothing but obvious magic. "
Hud Surah 11:7 (Mohsin Khan Translation)
The preceeding ayah is an interesting one as it mentions that at one stage Allah's throne was on the water!! Did his throne move to the 7th Heaven after creation? I'm sure someone guided can provide some insight into this ayah, inshallah.
The Sunnis also believe that Allah literally has a hand, face, eyes etc but it is nothing like unto His creation as he is Unique. But that is a topic I won't get into as I would like to focus on finding our where Allah is at this point.
Conclusion: Allah is here with us in His Knowledge(All Knowing, All Seeing) and not here Himself. He is on His Throne – which is above the 7th Heaven (not the 7th firmament but the 7th Heaven).
Shia perspective:
The Shia believe that Allah is everywhere. The Throne of Allah is his domain. Heaven and earth are His Throne and not necessarily a place that contains His essence. Allah is closer to us than anything or anyone.
“And indeed We have created man, and We know what his own-self whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein”
Al Caf Surah 50:16
“...And He is with you wheresoever ye may be. And God sees well all that ye do. “
Al Hadid (Iron) Surah 57:4
83”Then why do ye not (intervene) when (the soul of the dying man) reaches the throat 84 And ye the while (sit) looking on 85 But We are nearer to him than ye, and yet see not”
Al Waq'iah (The Imminent ) Surah 56:83-85
“And verily, We shall recount their whole story with knowledge, for We were never absent (at any time or place).”
Al Araf (The Elevations) Surah 7:7
The Shia believe that for Allah to NOT be in a place Himself is Kufar as this places limitation on God. They disagree with the Sunni perspective because it divides Allah into attributes or aspects in function. The Shia believe that God is all compassing and there is no place where He is NOT.
.
They generally believe that Heaven and earth are His Throne and Allah does not have a Throne per say where he actually sits and rules from as he does not need a Throne in order to Be or exist.
Conclusion: Allah is everywhere and there is no place that He is NOT.
My Perspective:
Yes, I have reached a conclusion of some sorts that surprisingly agrees with both ideas of Shia and Sunni...well at least to some degree.
I will start answering the question “Where is Allah” in the format on how it was revealed to me or how I researched it, inshallah. In doing so you will understand exactly how I reached my conclusion and if need be for further discussion - you can at least know at which exact point I have not adequately understood. This eliminates duplication on explanation and pin points the exact area that needs tweaking.
Where is Allah?
My train of thought in the beginning was this: The Angels are in heaven (physical location – as I will prove using Koran) and they get their orders directly from Allah and execute them. If they had to come to human beings with an inspiration – they would do so by ascending from heaven (from above). This notion that I had in the beginning was supported by ayats from the Koran. I don't know Arabic and unfortunately rely heavily on the sometimes biased translations. So if there is an ayah that has been apparently mistranslated by bias – please point out so. The writings in blue are my understanding of the ayats. I ask that you please read my paper to the end before making any comments.
The Koran translations and Arabic writing was taken from: http://al-quran.info
Ayahs about stars in conjunction with the location of the heavenly hosts:
1.) Al Saffat (The Ranged Ones) Surah 37:6-10
6. We have indeed decked the lower heaven with beauty (in) the stars,-
- this is explicitly/unambiguously referring to the physical stars. The referral to stars is in no way or form a metaphor. It is a physical context
إِنَّا زَيَّنَّا ٱلسَّمَآءَ ٱلدُّنْيَا بِزِينَةٍ ٱلْكَوَاكِبِ ﴿٦﴾
7. (For beauty) and for guard against all obstinate rebellious evil spirits,
- this is clearly a continuation of the concept of proceeding ayat – clearly in the physical context as it says for 'beauty and for guard' – so evil spirits are within the physical context. They are affected by the stars as is stated in this ayat. They (evil spirits) are made from smokeless fire which is in turn made of atoms and are therefore created beings within a physical context.
وَحِفْظًۭا مِّن كُلِّ شَيْطَٰنٍۢ مَّارِدٍۢ ﴿٧﴾
8. (So) they should not strain their ears in the direction of the Exalted Assembly but be cast away from every side,
- this ayat is clearly a continuation of the previous ayat so the context is consistently physical. The exalted assembly is above the heavens and evil spirits trying to eavesdrop. Why would they try to strain their ears? - obviously discussions, orders, secret information etc. The stars cast evil spirits away from every side. Exalted Assembly as translated would be referring to the court of the Most High. It depicts an ordered gathering to hear announcements/info to execute orders etc – or to worship. They are in a physical location – being of course that they are created beings that need space to be etc – which I understand that Allah is not.
لَّا يَسَّمَّعُونَ إِلَى ٱلْمَلَإِ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ وَيُقْذَفُونَ مِن كُلِّ جَانِبٍۢ ﴿٨﴾
9. Repulsed, for they are under a perpetual penalty,
دُحُورًۭا ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌۭ وَاصِبٌ ﴿٩﴾
10. Except such as snatch away something by stealth, and they are pursued by a flaming fire, of piercing brightness.
- clearly physical context referring to the physical heaven within our dimensions. This ayat shows that they do manage to steal or eavesdrop on some info but stars pursue them – this is not a metaphor but a clear description of events within the physical dimension.
إِلَّا مَنْ خَطِفَ ٱلْخَطْفَةَ فَأَتْبَعَهُۥ شِهَابٌۭ ثَاقِبٌۭ
2.)Al Hijr (The Hijr) Surah 15: 14 - 18
14. Even if We opened out to them a gate from heaven, and they were to continue (all day) ascending therein,
- this ayat is referring to the sinners/disbelievers. If Allah were to open a gate from heaven for them. You will notice in the proceeding ayats that heaven is not in a different dimension but is within this universe in a physical location.
وَلَوْ فَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَابًۭا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَظَلُّوا۟ فِيهِ يَعْرُجُونَ
15. They would only say: "Our eyes have been intoxicated: Nay, we have been bewitched by sorcery."
- this would be the disbelievers response no matter how evident the proof.
لَقَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا سُكِّرَتْ أَبْصَٰرُنَا بَلْ نَحْنُ قَوْمٌۭ مَّسْحُورُونَ ﴿٥١﴾
16. It is We Who have set out The Zodiacal Signs in the heavens, and made them fairseeming to (all) beholders;
- again consistently referring to the physical stars in the heavens. This ayat is immediately proceeding ayat 15 which was talking about the disbelievers not believing in heaven, it says the zodiacal signs are fairseeming to all who behold them.
وَلَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ بُرُوجًۭا وَزَيَّنَّٰهَا لِلنَّٰظِرِينَ ﴿٦١﴾
17. And (moreover) We have guarded them from every evil spirit accursed:
- this particular ayat is very interesting for me because it specifically talks about guarding the zodiacal signs which are attractive to all who behold them
وَحَفِظْنَٰهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيْطَٰنٍۢ رَّجِيمٍ ﴿٧١﴾
18. But any that gains a hearing by stealth, is pursued by a flaming fire, bright (to see).
- again referring to the evil spirits that try to steal information about revelations that are given only for the Exalted Assembly to hear and execute
إِلَّا مَنِ ٱسْتَرَقَ ٱلسَّمْعَ فَأَتْبَعَهُۥ شِهَابٌۭ مُّبِينٌۭ ﴿٨١﴾
3.) Al Mulk (Sovereignty) Surah 67:5
5. And we have, (from of old), adorned the lowest heaven with Lamps, and We have made such (Lamps) (as) missiles to drive away the Evil Ones, and have prepared for them the Penalty of the Blazing Fire.
- again physical context – unambiguously. Stars used to drive away evil ones. It's talking about lowest heavens adorned with lamps (obviously referring to stars) – it's interesting to note that the stars are adorned in the lowest heavens from old. Stars are not in the earth's firmaments – so “heaven” refers obviously to a level in the universe that is beyond our knowledge and comprehension – as the nearest galaxy is Andromeda and that is so so far away. Suphanallah! Glory to God in the Highest!
وَلَقَدْ زَيَّنَّا ٱلسَّمَآءَ ٱلدُّنْيَا بِمَصَٰبِيحَ وَجَعَلْنَٰهَا رُجُومًۭا لِّلشَّيَٰطِينِ ۖ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لَهُمْ عَذَابَ ٱلسَّعِيرِ ﴿٥﴾
4.) Ar Rahman (The Beneficent) Surah 55: 33-35
33. O ye assembly of Jinns and men! If it be ye can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, pass ye! not without authority shall ye be able to pass!
يَٰمَعْشَرَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ إِنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتُمْ أَن تَنفُذُوا۟ مِنْ أَقْطَارِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنفُذُوا۟ ۚ لَا تَنفُذُونَ إِلَّا بِسُلْطَٰنٍۢ ﴿٣٣﴾
34. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ﴿٤٣﴾
35. On you will be sent (O ye evil ones twain!) a flame of fire (to burn) and a smoke (to choke): no defence will ye have:
- this ayat is self explanatory
يُرْسَلُ عَلَيْكُمَا شُوَاظٌۭ مِّن نَّارٍۢ وَنُحَاسٌۭ فَلَا تَنتَصِرَانِ﴿٥٣﴾
5.) Fussilat (Elaborated) Surah 41:12
So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days, and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command. And We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and (provided it) with guard. Such is the Decree of (Him) the Exalted in Might, Full of Knowledge.
- lights meaning stars (consistent with preceeding ayahs) and guard to ward of evil spirits and this is in the lower heavens – there are 7 spheres within the earths firmament. We know stars are not within the earth's spheres so it could only mean others levels of heavens that we have yet to discover as we have no knowledge of them at this point – maybe beyond galaxies etc? Keeping in mind that it is a physical context. Allah knows best.
فَقَضَىٰهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَٰوَاتٍۢ فِى يَوْمَيْنِ وَأَوْحَىٰ فِى كُلِّ سَمَآءٍ أَمْرَهَا ۚ وَزَيَّنَّا ٱلسَّمَآءَ ٱلدُّنْيَا بِمَصَٰبِيحَ وَحِفْظًۭا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْعَلِيمِ ﴿٢١﴾
6.) Al Jinn (The Jinn) Surah72:8-9
8. And we pried into the secrets of heaven; but we found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires.
- The Jinns are giving an account of how they try eavesdropping on the heavenly assemblies. But find that it is guarded with flaming fires - which is is obviously stars considering all the preceding ayats.
وَأَنَّا لَمَسْنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ فَوَجَدْنَٰهَا مُلِئَتْ حَرَسًۭا شَدِيدًۭا وَشُهُبًۭا ﴿٨﴾
9. We used, indeed, to sit there in (hidden) stations, to (steal) a hearing; but any who listen now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.
- I read a tafseer in the Yusuf Ali translation and it said how the flaming fire could also be referring to the Koran as it is the standard of truth that destroys lies and half-truths to smithereens. If you'll notice how the Jinn is talking in the past tense and then switches to saying 'but now you will find an ambush...” as in – we cant lie now and get away with it as we used to in the past as the final standard that leads into all truths has
come and will expose us. So it is also possible to have a metaphorical interpretation in this particular ayat. As it does not necessarily exclusively just mean stars burning the evil ones but also the Koran refuting half truths etc as implied in the statement of the Jinn.
وَأَنَّا كُنَّا نَقْعُدُ مِنْهَا مَقَٰعِدَ لِلسَّمْعِ ۖ فَمَن يَسْتَمِعِ ٱلْءَانَ يَجِدْ لَهُۥ شِهَابًۭا رَّصَدًۭا ﴿٩﴾
7.) Al -Tur (The Mount) Surah 52:38
“Or have they a ladder, by which they can (climb up to heaven and) listen (to its secrets)? Then let (such a) listener of theirs produce a manifest proof.”
- Again its referring to evil spirits (keeping in mind proceeding ayats) trying to steal revelations or secrets from the Exalted Assembly. But obviously they cant steal everything only bits and pieces and thus their info is filled with deficiencies as it is not the full message.
أَمْ لَهُمْ سُلَّمٌ يَسْتَمِعُونَ فِيهِ ۖ فَلْيَأْتِ مُسْتَمِعُهُم بِسُلْطَانٍ مُّبِينٍ ﴿٨٣﴾
8.) Al Saffat (the Ranged Ones) 37: 84 - 88 & 95
84. Behold! he approached his Lord with a sound heart.
- this ayat is about Abraham and how he approached Allah.
إِذْ جَاءَ رَبَّهُ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ ﴿٤٨﴾
85. Behold! he said to his father and to his people, "What is that which ye worship?"
- It's almost like he's asking them to bring their evidence to justify their worship or ideas
إِذْ قَالَ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوْمِهِ مَاذَا تَعْبُدُونَ ﴿٥٨﴾
86. Is it a falsehood- gods other than God. that ye desire?
أَئِفْكًا آلِهَةً دُونَ اللَّهِ تُرِيدُونَ ﴿٦٨﴾
87. "Then what is your idea about the Lord of the Worlds?"
- I love this question because it almost means I'm going to get an answer – as this is exactly what I am asking – about Lord of the worlds.
فَمَا ظَنُّكُم بِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٧٨﴾
88. Then did he cast a glance at the Stars.
- this may seem like a long shot but I believe that every ayat is not a waste of space but loaded with revelation. For me this is very relevant as he asks the question about Allah and then he glances at the Stars. The other preceding ayats compound this point of view.
فَنَظَرَ نَظْرَةً فِي النُّجُومِ ﴿٨٨﴾
95. He said: "Worship ye that which ye have (yourselves) carved?
-- this not only refers to physical idols made of wood but ideas that we may have carved out ourselves with no authority from Allah.
قَالَ أَتَعْبُدُونَ مَا تَنْحِتُونَ ﴿٥٩﴾
9.)Al Najm (The Star) Surah 53:26
26. How many-so-ever be the angels in the heavens,their intercession will avail nothing except after God has given leave for whom He pleases and that he is acceptable to Him.
-- this ayat makes it unambiguously clear that angels are in heaven. It is stated so. And we know that the Exalted Assembly is in Heaven – in a physical location. As stated in Surah 37: 6-10
۞ وَكَم مِّن مَّلَكٍۢ فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ لَا تُغْنِى شَفَٰعَتُهُمْ شَيْـًٔا إِلَّا مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَن يَأْذَنَ ٱللَّهُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَرْضَىٰٓ ﴿٦٢﴾
10.)Sad (Sad) Surah 38:68-70
67. Say: "That is a Message Supreme (above all),-
قُلْ هُوَ نَبَؤٌا۟ عَظِيمٌ ﴿٧٦﴾
68. "From which ye do turn away!
أَنتُمْ عَنْهُ مُعْرِضُونَ ﴿٨٦﴾
69. "No knowledge have I of the Chiefs on high, when they discuss (matters) among themselves.
- to me the phrase “chiefs of high” is indicative of the Exalted Assembly as stated in previous ayats. Mohammed (pbbuh) states that he has no knowledge of what they discuss but only what they revealed to him as stated in the proceeding ayat.
مَا كَانَ لِىَ مِنْ عِلْمٍۭ بِٱلْمَلَإِ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰٓ إِذْ يَخْتَصِمُونَ ﴿٩٦﴾
70. Only this has been revealed to me: that I am to give warning plainly and publicly."
إِن يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ إِلَّآ أَنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ نَذِيرٌۭ مُّبِينٌ ﴿۰٧﴾
We can say with some confidence that based on all the preceding ayats- we have clearly established that the the Exalted Assembly is located in heaven – a physical location that is guarded by shooting stars. Evil Spirits try stealing information from the discussions of the heavenly hosts but are burnt by a scorching flame that pursues them.
Conclusion from these ayats: Angels are in heaven, heaven is a physical location, stars adorn the lowest heavens for beauty and guard against evil spirits.
Now onto the next level of discussion. Please read on...
Ayahs about the heavenly hosts in conjunction with the location of the Throne of Allah:
Just very quickly – Angels are made from light:
‘Aa’ishah reported: "The Messenger of Allah said: ‘The angels are created from light, just as the jinn are created from smokeless fire and mankind is created from what you have been told about.’" (Reported by Muslim, no. 2996).
Light is made from particles and waves. It has dual nature – it either behaves as a wave or a particle. Light is made up of photons – what are photons? Photons are particles like electrons and protons but they are lighter in mass as they are not matter – rather they are a wave of energy so to speak. The reason why I am explaining this is to demonstrate that Angels are created beings and have some kind of form and need a place/space to exist. Please read on...
1.)Al Furqan (The Criterion) Surah 25: 25-26
25. The Day the heaven shall be rent asunder with clouds, and angels shall be sent down, descending (in ranks),-
- this is a scene taken from judgment day. It will be an awesome sight when angels shall be sent down...descending in ranks – from heaven (we are clear on where heaven is)
وَيَوْمَ تَشَقَّقُ ٱلسَّمَآءُ بِٱلْغَمَٰمِ وَنُزِّلَ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ تَنزِيلًا ﴿٥٢﴾
26. That Day, the dominion as of right and truth, shall be (wholly) for (God)3083 Most Merciful: it will be a Day of dire difficulty for the Disbelievers.
ٱلْمُلْكُ يَوْمَئِذٍ ٱلْحَقُّ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ ۚ وَكَانَ يَوْمًا عَلَى ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ عَسِيرًۭا﴿٦٢﴾
2.)Al Zumar (The Throngs) Surah 39: 74-75
74. They will say: "Praise be to God, Who has truly fulfilled His Promise to us, and has given us (this) land in heritage: We can dwell in the Garden as we will: how excellent a reward for those who work (righteousness)!"
-this scene is after judgment has been passed on Judgment Day...
وَقَالُوا۟ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى صَدَقَنَا وَعْدَهُۥ وَأَوْرَثَنَا ٱلْأَرْضَ نَتَبَوَّأُ مِنَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ حَيْثُ نَشَآءُ ۖ فَنِعْمَ أَجْرُ ٱلْعَٰمِلِينَ ﴿٤٧﴾
75. And thou wilt see the angels surrounding the Throne (Divine) on all sides, singing Glory and Praise to their Lord. The Decision between them (at Judgment) will be in (perfect) justice, and the cry (on all sides) will be, "Praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds!"
- how interesting is this ayat!! the angels (physical beings) surrounding the Throne Divine on all sides, singing Glory and Praise to their Lord. Angels surrounding the Throne of Allah...and singing praises to Him. So there is an actual Throne. This is no metaphor or referring to a domain. It is clearly a physical throne that is surrounded by angels from all sides. Does this Throne contain our Lord?!!
وَتَرَى ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةَ حَآفِّينَ مِنْ حَوْلِ ٱلْعَرْشِ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ ۖ وَقُضِىَ بَيْنَهُم بِٱلْحَقِّ وَقِيلَ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ
3.) Al Gafir (The Forgiver) Surah 40:7
7. Those who sustain the Throne (of God. and those around it Sing Glory and Praise to their Lord; believe in Him; and implore Forgiveness for those who believe: "Our Lord! Thy Reach is over all things, in Mercy and Knowledge. Forgive, then, those who turn in Repentance, and follow Thy Path; and preserve them from the Penalty of the Blazing Fire!
- those who sustain the Throne of God and those around it singing to their Lord. The Throne of Allah. This is curious as the throne is being sustained by beings. I can't reconcile this as I know that God does not need a space to be and cant be contained as he is NOT made from atoms and is not like anything created. To have Allah in a throne is limiting him.
ٱلَّذِينَ يَحْمِلُونَ ٱلْعَرْشَ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهُۥ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَيُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِۦ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍۢ رَّحْمَةًۭ وَعِلْمًۭا فَٱغْفِرْ لِلَّذِينَ تَابُوا۟ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ سَبِيلَكَ وَقِهِمْ عَذَابَ ٱلْجَحِيمِ ﴿٧﴾
The three (3) preceding ayats stumped me but then I recalled what Allah said in the Koran:
Yunus (Jonah) Surah 10:94
94. If thou wert in doubt as to what We have revealed unto thee, then ask those who have been reading the Book from before thee: the Truth hath indeed come to thee from thy Lord: so be in no wise of those in doubt.
فَإِن كُنتَ فِى شَكٍّۢ مِّمَّآ أَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكَ فَسْـَٔلِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَقْرَءُونَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مِن قَبْلِكَ ۚ لَقَدْ جَآءَكَ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْمُمْتَرِينَ ﴿٤٩﴾
Al-Shura (The Counsel) Surah 42:3
3. Thus doth (He) send inspiration to thee as (He did) to those before thee, God, Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.
كَذَٰلِكَ يُوحِىٓ إِلَيْكَ وَإِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ
Al Ghafir (The Forgiver) Surah 40:23
23. Of old We sent Moses, with Our Signs and an authority manifest,
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مُوسَىٰ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَسُلْطَٰنٍۢ مُّبِينٍ ﴿٣٢﴾
So I took the hint and took a look into Judaism and Christianity. Here's hoping they have some preserved revelations of truth that God has sent.
Judaism perspective:
G-d is the Creator of EverythingEverything in the universe was created by G-d and only by G-d. Judaism completely rejects the dualistic notion that evil was created by Satan or some other deity. All comes from G-d. As Isaiah said, "I am the L-rd, and there is none else. I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create evil. I am the L-rd, that does all these things." (Is. 45:6-7).
G-d is Incorporeal
Although many places in scripture and Talmud speak of various parts of G-d's body (the Hand of G-d, G-d's wings, etc.) or speak of G-d in anthropomorphic terms (G-d walking in the garden of Eden, G-d laying tefillin, etc.), Judaism firmly maintains that G-d has no body. Any reference to G-d's body is simply a figure of speech, a means of making G-d's actions more comprehensible to beings living in a material world. Much of Rambam's Guide for the Perplexed is devoted to explaining each of these anthropomorphic references and proving that they should be understood figuratively.
We are forbidden to represent G-d in a physical form. That is considered idolatry. The sin of the Golden Calf incident was not that the people chose another deity, but that they tried to represent G-d in a physical form.
G-d is Omnipresent!!
G-d is in all places at all times. He fills the universe and exceeds its scope. He is always near for us to call upon in need, and He sees all that we do. Closely tied in with this idea is the fact that G-d is universal. He is not just the G-d of the Jews; He is the G-d of all nations.
G-d is Omnipotent
G-d can do anything. It is said that the only thing that is beyond His power is the fear of Him; that is, we have free will, and He cannot compel us to do His will. This belief in G-d's omnipotence has been sorely tested during the many persecutions of Jews, but we have always maintained that G-d has a reason for allowing these things, even if we in our limited perception and understanding cannot see the reason.
G-d is Omniscient
G-d knows all things, past, present and future. He knows our thoughts.
G-d is Eternal
G-d transcends time. He has no beginning and no end. He will always be there to fulfill his promises. When Moses asked for G-d's name, He replied, "Ehyeh asher ehyeh." That phrase is generally translated as, "I am that I am," but the word "ehyeh" can be present or future tense, meaning "I am what I will be" or "I will be what I will be." The ambiguity of the phrase is often interpreted as a reference to G-d's eternal nature.
( http://www.jewfaq.org/g-d.htm )
Where is God?
Most people imagine God being everywhere, expanding and filling up everything. But to be everywhere, you need a space. And space hasn't been created yet! Infinite means beyond space. Boundless. Incorporeal. No boundaries, no mass, no place.
If it feels like your mind just hit a wall, relax. It means you're getting a sense of the infinite dimension. There is a built-in difficulty in trying to grasp "beyond space" because we're stuck in a finite world. Everything we perceive is filtered through our finite minds with finite vocabulary. Even though we seem to define the quality of being beyond space, we can't fully grasp what our definition really means.
Besides infinity in space, there is also infinity in time. Even though he can move wherever he wants in time, he constantly remains within the framework of time. This second limitation is a result of the finite aspect of time travel. How can one person be at two places at two times all at the same time?! Impossible -- unless you are infinite, completely unencumbered and above time. Being outside of the time-line means being at all places at all times --all at the same time.
A being that exists beyond time doesn't come from anywhere. He has always existed. If something created God, God would have a beginning and He'd be finite, not infinite. Beyond time means having no beginning and no end. Eternal. It means there is nothing that exists before God. 'Before' is a time-bound quality that applies only to finite entities. Therefore God is called "the First Cause" -- the Prime Mover -- the dimension that has no other dimension preceding it.
Abraham discovers the infinite source of existence, an Eternal Being, unhindered by time and space.
By Rabbi Shraga Simmons(http://judaism.about.com/od/god/f/simmons_godnatu.htm )
Christian Perspective:
I can answer this one as I was a Christian before I reverted to Islam. Christians believe that God is everywhere but can be divided into functions/aspects. These functions/aspects have a life or identity of their own – hence the Trinity doctrine – God is three in one. God the Father was in heaven when Jesus, God the son, was here on earth. When That's why when Jesus did the Lord's prayer – it began as “Our Father who art in heaven...” Christians believe that now that Jesus is in heaven with God the Father – now God the holy spirit is here on earth to be with us. Each God head has a distinct and separate function of their own but they were one. I know...it's a bit of a labyrinth. To separate God's attributes or functions from God himself and place these attributes as a function null and void of God himself - borders on polytheism.
Now back to the original question of the Throne of Allah. Judaism agrees that God is everywhere - not as in He fills every space but as in He encompasses everything - hence when Moses asked about Allah, Allah replied "I Am" as in "HE IS". Christianity says God is everywhere – in certain functions. So what is this Throne of Allah? How can it contain Allah?!!
MY CONCLUSION:
The Throne does not contain Allah – but rather it is for the angels as a central point of worship – an assembly. Why? Because we are all created beings!! Angels are created beings made from light!! Everything is made from something AND NEEDS SPACE TO EXIST – but Allah - is not made. He IS!! He is not made of atoms. He is not made of particles etc. He has no form. HE does not need space or anything to sustain His existence. But we do...and the angels and us (humans) need the Throne of Allah – The Throne is not for Allah to contain him – rather it is for us as a focal point to sing His praises to Him - as is the Kaba here on earth - as is the Throne in heaven.
And … I thought this was just my conclusion - but the icing on the cake is this ( I must say, I found this website after I reached my conclusion and that was a beautiful gesture from Allah to reassure me):
Abu Ja'far who is an eminent scholar among the as-Salaf. He explicitly stated that Allah is clear of being contained by the six directions. The six directions are above, below, in front of, behind, right, and left.
Imam Abu Mansur al-Baghdadi related that Imam 'Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph, said:
which means: "Allah created the Throne as an indication of His power and did not take it as a place for Himself."
Imam Abu Hanifah said in his book from his school al Wasiyyah: " ... and He is the Preserver of the Throne and of other than the Throne without needing it. Had He been in need, He would not have the power to create the world and to manage and preserve it. Moreover, had He been in a place needing to sit and rest before creating the Throne, where was Allah, then?" That is the question: 'where was Allah' would have applied to Him, which is impossible. (http://www.amislam.com/without.htm )
ALHAMDULILAH!!!!!
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