Was the ‘Arsh created before the Pen?

The scholars are uncertain here: was the ’Arsh created before the Pen or the Pen was created before the ‘Arsh? The correct opinion[1] is that the ’Arsh was created before the Pen because when Allaah created it and commanded it to write, His Throne was already on the water.

Consequently, the renowned scholar, Ibn Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “People differ regarding the Pen that was used in writing the decree from ad-Dayyaan (i.e. Allaah). Was it before the ‘Arsh or after it? There are two opinions according to Abul ‘Allaa al-Hamadhaani. The truth, (however), is that the ‘Arsh was before; because before the writing; the ‘Arsh had already been placed having pillars; while the writing with the noble pen came shortly after into existence without much time interval.”[2]  

Taken from, “A Gift to the Reader in Annotation of Sharh As-Sunnah”, vol. 1, pp. 371-372 by Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan, published by Dar Makkah International.

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[1] It is the saying of the majority of the scholars; see Bughyah al-Murtad of  Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (p. 285-295) and Bidayah wan-Nihayah by Imam Ibn Kathir (1/8-9)

[2] See Sharh Nuniyyah Ibn Qayyim of al-Alaamah Ibn Isa (1/375)