Continuation of the previous discussion on the meaning of istiwaa' (rising above the Throne).

The Shaykh : Do not be a follower of the masses, saying what people say. The common person knows that "istawa" upon something means "he rose above it." Read what Allah the Exalted said: Complete the verse. You, complete it, complete it?

The questioner : ... .

The Shaykh : Then remember May Allah bless you, rest, please meaning you have dominion over it. Everyone knows the meaning of "he took possession of its back," but if you say, "He made for you ships and animals that you ride, so that you may take possession of their backs," that is the meaning of "you take possession of their backs," meaning you take possession of them. He said, "I never take possession of the camel's back. The camel is not mine; I am a lessee, and its owner is someone else, so it is not mine." Or he says, "How can I take possession of its back and the rest of its body? Where does it go?" In any case, my brothers, the matter is clear, and praise be to Allah. Always ask Allah, saying: "O Allah, show us the truth as truth and give us the ability to follow it, and show us falsehood as falsehood and give us the ability to avoid it, and do not make it ambiguous to us so that we go astray." Always make this supplication to Allah, and always ask Allah to keep you firm upon the truth, in life and in death. For Allah says: Good.