The Meaning of Istawā: Understanding Allah’s Attribute of Rising Over the Throne

Istawā: The Islamic Perspective on Allah’s Attribute of Rising Over the Throne

MEANING OF ISTAWĀ

As for ALLĀH’S statement,

ثُمَّ اسْتَوَى عَلَى الْعَرْشِ
and then HE rose over (Istawa)
the Throne

The people had several conflicting opinions over its meaning. However, we follow the way that our righteous predecessors took in this regard, such as Malik, Al-Awza’i, Ath-Thawri, Al-Layth bin Sa’d, Ash-Shafi’i, Ahmad, Ishaq bin Rahwayh and the rest of the scholars of Islām, in past and present times.

Surely, we accept the apparent meaning of, Al-Istawā, without discussing its true essence, equating it (with the attributes of the creation), or altering or denying it (in any way or form). We also believe that the meaning that comes to those who equate ALLĀH with the creation is to be rejected, for nothing is similar to ALLĀH,

لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَىْءٌ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ
There is nothing like HIM, and HE is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. (42:11)

Indeed, we assert and affirm what the Imāms said, such as Nu’aym bin Hammad Al-Khuza’i, the teacher of Imam Al-Bukhari, who said,

“Whoever likens ALLĀH with HIS creation, will have committed Kufr (disbelief).

Whoever denies what ALLĀH has described HIMSELF with, will have committed Kufr.

Certainly, there is no resemblance (of ALLĀH with the creation) in what ALLĀH and HIS Messenger (ﷺ) have described HIM with.

Whoever attests to ALLĀH’S attributes that the plain Āyāt (verses) and authentic Hadiths have mentioned, in the manner that suits ALLĀH’S majesty, all the while rejecting all shortcomings from HIM, will have taken the path of guidance.”

{Tafsi‌r Ibn Kathīr}

ibnkathir #Araf (7:54)