Argument on the 'Arsh' of Allah untimely these days

The question of whether there is really an ‘Arsh’ of Allah or not cropped up recently on social media discussions among students of the Islam religion, especially new Maranao so-called Ulama.

These students, many of whom have studied in some Islamic schools of thought abroad, even went to the extent of challenging one another in a debate.

The disagreement lies on whether Allah sits over, above or which part of His Throne -- which it seems some consider its limited literal meaning than as a relative term.

The Arabic term “Arsh” means “Throne” in English. According to studies, It has been mentioned in the Quran four times (Yusuf:100 and Nahl:23, 38, 42). It is also said that Allah's “Arsh” has been mentioned in the Quran 21 times.

But to understand the issue, it has to be borne in mind that the Qur’anic verses are more metaphorical than literal and the meaning varies accordingly.

Only scholars therefore with high level of understanding in the subject can authoritatively discuss it.

But COVID-19 needs an urgent solution

While we understand that religious discussions are important in our lives, COVID-19 is an urgent problem nowadays that needs an urgent solution.

It has affected humanity with a global impact. Due to the coronavirus disease, lives are uselessly lost wealth wasted.

It is of the best interest of all that, meanwhile, we, especially the local Ulama, shelved our differences on other issues.

Instead, we discuss concretely and objectively without grandstanding the coronavirus-19, with a hope to contribute to finding the cure to the pandemic disease. #MyFridayTake

(Masiding Noor Yahya)