An example of this is what Ibn Hajar al-Haytami stated in his book Al-I‘lam bi-Qawati‘ al-Islam (p. 139): "If one says, 'Allah is in the heaven,' it is said: he commits disbelief (yakfur), and it is said: he does not. Those who affirm a direction (al-jiha) are not declared disbelievers according to the correct opinion; however, if they believe in the logical necessity of their statement—such as [Allah] being originated (huduth) or otherwise—they have committed disbelief by consensus." End quote.
I say: He [al-Haytami] was vehement in his condemnation of Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim—may Allah have mercy on them—due to their affirmation of the High-Exaltation (‘uluww)!
He says: "This is part of their repulsive views and misguidance, for it is built upon what they adopted—and lengthily argued for—while disparaging the People of the Sunnah [meaning the Ash‘aris] for their denial of it, which is the affirmation of direction (al-jiha) and corporeality (al-jismiyyah) for Him. High and Exalted is Allah far above what the wrongdoers and deniers say!
In this regard, they hold such abominations and evil beliefs that ears turn deaf to them; they are judged as falsehood, lies, misguidance, and slander—may Allah disgrace them! And may He disgrace whoever speaks with their words. Imam Ahmad and the eminent figures of his school are innocent of this stain; for how [can they not be] when it is considered disbelief by many!" End quote.
And here is Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani saying in al-Fath (13/359): "Likewise, if a Jew who is attributed to anthropomorphism (tajsim) said: 'There is no god but He who is in the heaven,' he would not be a believer! Unless he were a commoner who does not understand the meaning of anthropomorphism, in which case that [statement] would suffice from him, as in the story of the slave girl whom the Prophet ﷺ asked: 'Are you a believer?' She said: 'Yes.' He asked: 'Where is Allah?' She replied: 'In the heaven.' Thereupon he said: 'Free her, for she is...
