Bukhari

Hadith Commentary:
To accept this reality exactly in these words, without any alteration or questioning, is the way of the Salaf.

Hadith Commentary:
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There was some sharpness in the speech of Hazrat Zainab radi Allahu anha, which her esteemed husband Hazrat Zaid bin Harithah radi Allahu anhu complained about. On this basis, he intended to divorce her, but the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam wished that he would not divorce her, rather that he would keep her as his wife.
Allah Ta’ala has described this incident in these words:
“And [remember] when you said to the one upon whom Allah had bestowed favor and you [too] had bestowed favor, ‘Keep your wife to yourself and fear Allah,’ and you were concealing within yourself that which Allah is to disclose. And you feared the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him. So when Zaid had accomplished his need from her, We married her to you so that there would not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they have accomplished their need from them. And ever is the command of Allah accomplished.” (Al-Ahzab: 33:37)

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Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has presented this hadith as evidence for the transcendence (‘uluww) of the Essence of Allah Ta’ala, that the Lord of Might is above the heavens, as Hazrat Zainab radi Allahu anha explicitly stated that her marriage was conducted by Allah Ta’ala above the seven heavens.
This matter is established among all the people of Islam, indeed among all creation, that the attribute of transcendence (‘uluww) is affirmed for Allah Ta’ala and that He is exalted and above us.
The testimony for this comes from action, transmission, and innate disposition (fitrah), but for those whose innate disposition has been corrupted, they say that Allah Ta’ala is not above, but rather indwells in everything.
Allah Ta’ala’s being established (istiwa) upon the Throne is proven by the legal (shar‘i) evidences, but for the transcendence of Allah Ta’ala, not only are there legal evidences, but human nature itself testifies to it.
There is consensus (ijma‘) of the pious predecessors (salaf salihin) on affirming the attribute of transcendence for Allah Ta’ala.
By this is meant the transcendence befitting the majesty of Allah Ta’ala.
The statement of Allah Ta’ala is: “And He is the Most High, the Most Great.” (Al-Baqarah: 255)
The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam used to recite in the state of prostration: (Subhana Rabbi al-A‘la) “Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.” (Sahih Muslim, Salat al-Musafirin, Hadith: 1814(772))
On this basis, it is necessary to affirm the attribute of transcendence for Allah Ta’ala without distortion (tahrif) or denial (ta‘til), and without asking how (bi-la kayf) or likening (tamthil). There are two types:
© Transcendence of Attributes (‘uluww al-sifat):
This means that all the attributes of Allah Ta’ala are exalted and supreme.
There is no deficiency or flaw in any of them.
© Transcendence of Essence (‘uluww al-dhat):
This means that the Essence of Allah Ta’ala is above all creation, as Allah Ta’ala says:
(Aa amintum man fi al-sama’) “Do you feel secure from Him who is in the heaven?” (Al-Mulk: 67:16)

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The meaning of Allah Ta’ala being “in the heavens” is that He is above the heavens.
In the noble verse, (fi) is in the meaning of (ala), because the heavens cannot encompass the Essence of Allah Ta’ala, or else by “al-sama’” is meant absolute elevation, i.e., Allah Ta’ala is in the height.
In addition, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam asked a slave-girl about Allah Ta’ala, “Where is He?” She replied, “He is in the heaven.” Upon this, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Set her free, for she is a believer.” (Sahih Muslim, al-Masajid, Hadith: 1199(537))
But the Mu‘attilah (those who deny Allah’s attributes) reject the direction of transcendence for Allah Ta’ala. They interpret it to mean that Allah Ta’ala’s authority is in the heavens, but Allah Ta’ala’s authority is also on the earth, so what is the point of specifying the heavens? We will discuss this matter in detail later.