“Where is Allah?” This question isn’t merely from a curious mind but expresses a natural urge to know one’s Lord. But when answers rely on sectarian bias, philosophical complexities, or illogical reasoning, it disturbs both nature and intellect.
This article presents an easy, balanced, and evidence-based answer to this delicate question. Is Allah everywhere? Is He without place? Or is He above the sky? We clarify this using the Quran, Sunnah, and the understanding of early scholars.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Pondering Allah’s place is part of human nature.
- The Quran and Hadith both describe Allah as “above the heavens.”
- The term “without place” isn’t wrong but must be understood correctly.
- Denying or distorting Allah’s attributes leads to misguidance.
- Belief distinctions stem from meanings, not just words.
Where is Allah? The Harmonious Answer from Nature and Revelation
When a person prays, they raise their hands upward. When distressed, they look toward the sky. This reflects their nature – nature that declares Allah is above. The Quran confirms this:
“Are you secure from the One above the sky?” (Surah Al-Mulk)
Additionally, narrations state the Prophet ﷺ asked a slave girl: “Where is Allah?” She replied: “Above the heavens.” The Prophet ﷺ said: “Free her, she is a believer.”
This evidence establishes Islam’s foundational view: Allah is above the heavens.
Is Saying “Without Place” Incorrect?
Many say: “Allah is without place.” Understanding this term is crucial. If one means Allah isn’t confined to a created space (like a room), this is correct. Creation cannot encompass Him.
But if “without place” implies Allah’s existence is entirely detached from space – so abstract that “above” or “below” becomes invalid – this contradicts both nature and revelation.
This is the “Equivocation Fallacy,” where one word (“without place”) is manipulated to create confusion.
Fallacy: Denying Attributes to Avoid Resemblance
Some argue that using terms like “hand,” “face,” or “above” for Allah leads to resemblance (tashbīh). Thus, they distort or deny divine attributes.
This is a “Slippery Slope Fallacy.” Fearing a minor risk, they embrace an extreme that ultimately denies Allah’s existence. If every attribute (hearing, sight, speech, face) is reinterpreted, what remains of faith?
If Allah has no hand, no face, no ability to speak, cannot hear or see – then what is He?
Allah’s Attributes: Between Resemblance and Denial
Islamic belief is balanced: We neither liken Allah’s attributes to creation (tashbīh) nor deny them (taʿṭīl). We affirm:
- Attributes proven by Quran and authentic Hadith are accepted without distortion.
- We avoid arrogance or overstepping limits in understanding their nature.
- We acknowledge Allah “hears,” but how? We don’t know.
Thus, we affirm attributes “without how” (bilā kayf) – without speculating on their modality.
Objection: If Allah is Above, How is He Everywhere?
Some ask: “If Allah is only above, how can He be everywhere?” This creates another confusion – a “False Dilemma Fallacy,” presenting only two options: either Allah is everywhere or He cannot be above.
In reality, Allah being “above the heavens” doesn’t negate His all-encompassing knowledge. The Quran states:
“He knows the secrets of your hearts; He is closer to you than your jugular vein.” (Surah Qaf)
This means Allah’s knowledge, power, and mercy are everywhere, but His Essence is above creation.
How to Handle Place-Related Questions About Allah
If asked, “Does Allah have a place?”, the answer isn’t simple. First, understand the context:
- If the question means: Is Allah confined to a specific location? → Answer: No, Allah isn’t confined.
- If the question means: Is Allah above? → Answer: Yes, confirmed by the Quran, Sunnah, and human nature.
Answer based on meaning, not just words. Otherwise, confusion increases.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Allah’s status isn’t bound by physical definitions nor confined to any space. Yet the Quran, Sunnah, and human nature unanimously affirm Allah is above – above the heavens, established on the Throne.
Those who deny Allah’s attributes merely to avoid resemblance fall into extremism. Avoiding tashbīh doesn’t require rejecting divine truths. Islam’s path is balanced – neither distortion nor resemblance.
Just as we believe in Allah’s existence without seeing Him, we believe in His transcendence – because revelation, nature, and intellect all affirm it.
FAQs
Q: Is Allah everywhere?
A: Allah’s knowledge and power are everywhere, but His Essence is above the heavens according to the Quran.
Q: Is saying “without place” shirk?
A: No, but if this term denies Allah’s transcendence, it becomes misguidance. Meanings matter more than words.
Q: Is saying Allah has a “hand” or “face” resemblance?
A: No. In Islam, attributes are accepted without specifying their nature. We affirm them befitting His majesty, not through human examples.
Q: If Allah is above, can’t He see below?
A: Allah sees, hears, and knows everything. His transcendence doesn’t limit His awareness.
Q: How should Muslims understand Allah’s attributes?
A: Accept attributes proven by the Quran and authentic Hadith without distortion. Reject what revelation rejects. This preserves pure belief.
