The Difference Between Proximity and Presence, and the Position of the Throne of the Most Merciful

The questioner:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, is there a difference between proximity (qurb) and presence (mu'ayyah)?

The Shaykh:
No, there is no difference between proximity and presence; they have one meaning. Proximity, presence, and nearness (dunw) all mean the same thing. Yes.

The questioner:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah preserve you, you mentioned that above the heavens is the Throne of the Most Merciful. Some hadiths indicate that the Throne of the Most Merciful is the ceiling of Paradise (Firdaus). What is your comment?

The Shaykh:
I did not understand the question.

The questioner:
Since you mentioned that above the heavens is the Throne of the Most Merciful, and some hadiths indicate that the ceiling of the highest Firdaus is the Throne of the Most Merciful,

The Shaykh:
meaning that Firdaus is in the heaven, not above the heaven. Firdaus is in the heaven. Yes, and Allah the Exalted knows best, and may Allah send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad.