Many Muslims have asked about the meaning of Allah’s statement: ﴿To Him ascends good words﴾, and whether the word “ascends” in the verse indicates a specific direction for Allah Almighty. Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta answered this question by explaining the correct understanding of the verse according to Islamic scholars.

The Meaning of “To Him Ascends Good Words”

Ascension in the Verse Does Not Mean Movement or Location

Dar Al-Ifta explained that the meaning of ascension in Allah’s saying: ﴿To Him ascends good words﴾ [Fatir: 10] has two possible interpretations.

The first is that ascension to Allah refers to elevation in status, honor, and rank before Him, not physical movement or transition, because Allah Almighty is beyond being confined by place or direction.

The second meaning is that the ascension may refer to the honored places of Allah’s creation, where elevation of place or status can apply to created beings.

Does the Verse Prove a Direction for Allah?

Allah Is Above Place and Direction

Dar Al-Ifta emphasized that Muslim scholars have agreed that Allah Almighty is not contained by any direction or place. Ascension and closeness to Allah refer to rank, honor, and spiritual status, not physical distance or movement.

The expressions of closeness, elevation, and rising mentioned in Islamic texts are understood in a manner befitting Allah’s majesty and are not interpreted according to the characteristics of created beings.

The Meaning of Ascending to Allah in the Quran

Elevation in Rank, Not Distance

Dar Al-Ifta explained that Allah’s statement: ﴿The angels and the Spirit ascend to Him﴾ does not mean that Allah is located in a specific place. Rather, it indicates elevation in rank and honor.

The scholars also explained that Allah existed before the existence of place, and therefore He does not need a place or direction, as place is a characteristic of created things.

Scholars’ Views on the Meaning of Ascension to Allah

Ascension Means Honor and Elevation

Scholars have stated that ascension in these verses refers to elevation and honor, not physical movement from one location to another.

They explained that Allah’s statement: ﴿And I will raise you to Myself﴾ means raising to a position of honor and dignity, not moving to a specific place.

They also affirmed that Allah’s closeness to His servants is through knowledge, mercy, and answering prayers, not through physical distance, because Allah is free from the attributes of bodies.

Does Allah Have a Specific Direction?

The Scholars’ View on Declaring Allah Free from Directions

Dar Al-Ifta stated that Muslim scholars throughout history have affirmed that Allah Almighty is beyond place and direction, and that interpreting certain texts in a physical sense does not align with Islamic principles of belief.

The intended meaning of the verse ﴿To Him ascends good words﴾ is that Allah accepts and honors good words, not that they move toward a specific direction or location.

The Wisdom Behind “To Him Ascends Good Words”

The Virtue of Remembrance and Righteous Deeds

The verse carries a great meaning: it highlights the value of good speech before Allah and shows that remembrance, supplication, and righteous actions are causes for a person’s elevation and closeness to their Lord.

A believer should strive for good words and righteous deeds, as Allah looks not only at outward actions but also at sincerity and the purity of the heart.

Conclusion

Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta explained that the meaning of Allah’s statement: ﴿To Him ascends good words﴾ does not indicate a direction or place for Allah Almighty. Rather, it refers to elevation in status, acceptance, and honor, as Allah is above the limitations of place, time, and the characteristics of creation.

What does “To Him ascends good words” mean?

It means that good words are raised and accepted by Allah, indicating honor and virtue.

Does ascension in the verse mean moving to a place?

No, it refers to elevation in rank and status, not physical movement.

Does the verse prove a direction for Allah?

No, scholars have explained that Allah is beyond place and direction.

What are “good words”?

They include the remembrance of Allah, supplications, good speech, and every statement that pleases Allah.

How does a person become close to Allah?

Through obedience, worship, sincere deeds, and righteous actions, not through physical distance.