Do we attribute to Allah the attribute of the Face from the verse: "Wherever you turn, there is the Face of Allah"? Is this verse among the verses of attributes or not, and how do we respond to the claim that it is not among the verses of attributes, given the view of those who say it is among the verses of attributes, and their evidence is the context, for the context indicates that it is among the verses of attributes?

The questioner : May Allah reward you, O honorable Shaykh. Do we attribute to Allah the attribute of the Face from the verse , meaning is this verse among the verses of attributes or not, and how do we respond to the claim that it is not among the verses of attributes, given the view of those who say it is among the verses of attributes, and their evidence is the context, for the context indicates that it is among the verses of attributes?

The Shaykh : The Salaf differed regarding the saying of Allah the Exalted . Some of them said that the intended meaning is the real Face of Allah, and that Allah the Exalted faces the face of the one praying. This is the correct view. Accordingly, the verse indicates that it is to be understood according to its apparent meaning, and that the intended meaning is: whichever direction you turn, the Face of Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, is there, that is, before you, if you turn toward that direction. This is supported by the authentic hadith that Allah the Exalted faces you... and the Exalted is not above the creation in the sense of being physically elevated, for something can be "high" or "elevated" relative to your face, such as what is above your face.