A005
Surah: 020 - Ayah: 005
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20:5
An example of the literalist approach is the famous statement of Malik b. Anas concerning al-Rahmanu cala'larshi istawd, "The Beneficent One sat on the throne" (20:5): Al-istiwa'u malumun wa-al-kayfiyyatu majhulatun wa-al-imdnu bihi wajibun wa-al-su'alu canhu bidcatun "That He sits is known, but how (He) sits is unknown. It is incumbent to believe in this but to ask questions about it is [damnable] innovation"
Q262 Would you kindly explain the main wisdom of verse (20:5): “Ar-Rahmanu cala’l-carshi istawa.”
A262 God willing. The correct translation of this verse is: “God, the Compassionate did the work of equality (musawat) on the Throne.” That is, although there are ranks for the people in the heavens and the earth, there is equality on the Throne. There are several proofs for this:
- When, by the grace of God, people transform into “monoreality”, they all become equal.
- The rank of fana’ fi’llah is on the Throne. The Throne is a light, and the light is an angel, who is the subtle and luminous personality of the Perfect Man.
- You will never see any difference in the creation of the Compassionate (67:3). This is the equality of the Compassionate (musawat-i Rahmanu).
This verse has been referred 4 times.