Istiwa

The Qur'anic statement that Allah rose over the Throne, and the classic test case for reading divine attributes.

Also written · Istawa · Istiwaa · Istawaa · Istiwa ala al-Arsh · Rose over the Throne · Establishment on the Throne · Esteva

The meaning

What Istiwa means in Islam

The Qur'an says the Most Merciful rose over the Throne (Qur'an 20:5). Atharis affirm the wording and leave the manner to Allah, quoting Imam Malik: the rising is known, the how is unknown, and asking about it is an innovation. Many Ash'aris and Maturidis read it as dominion and authority, to keep any bodily picture away. All three agree that Allah is not contained by a place.

Evidence · Scholars differ · The scholars read this one differently

Read beside it

Words that sit beside it

Asma wa SifatAllah's names and attributes, affirmed as He described them, without denial and without resemblance to creation.الأَسْمَاءُ وَالصِّفَات
ArshThe Throne of Allah, the greatest created thing, above the heavens and carried by angels.العَرْش
TafwidLeaving the meaning of a difficult divine attribute to Allah, as opposed to interpreting it figuratively.التَّفْوِيض
AthariThe Sunni creed school that keeps to the wording of the texts and avoids theological speculation.الأَثَرِيَّة
Ash'ariA Sunni school of creed founded by Abu al-Hasan al-Ash'ari, defending orthodox belief with reasoned argument.الأَشْعَرِيَّة