Q. I was in the chatroom and a guy who claimed to be a Salafi asked me where Allah was. I said everywhere. He then asked me, is He in the bathroom? Is this a fair question? Can a person be a Muslim if they ask such questions about Allah?

A. First of all, there is no need to be in chat rooms that would waste your time and indulge you in futile chatter. The Qur’an prohibits him and you for indulging in such unwanted chatter. You can certainly find knowledge in places that are more useful and beneficial.

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But there are (those from) amongst humanity who take part in idle dialogues (and discussions), without knowledge ( and understanding), to mislead (humanity) from people away from the Path of Allah and take religion as a mockery (ridicule): for such individuals there will be a Humiliating Punishment. (31:6)j

Second, we all agree that the Mercy of Allah is everywhere. It also extends upon the brain of this individual who attempts to mock the Great Essence of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) with his absurdly ignorant question regarding Allah the Greatest. Such a person has exhibited his sickening lack of knowledge with a discussion of sheer futility to bring more divergence in the ummah. Also what is more embarrassing, this chat room chatterbox did not seem to come across the ayah which states:

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To Allah belong the East and the West, and whichever way you turn, there is Allah’s Countenance (be it Mercy, kindness, Justice, etc). Lo! Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.

(2:115)

Regarding his imaan, we can only hope that he was asking such a question to gain more insight regarding Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala). Had this been the case, then may Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) protect him as well as us from realizing His Greatness, and help us to ask questions and contribute to discussion panels in a more refined and dignified manner.

(If this is truly a Salafi you are questioning us about, then may we ask: By us giving him the benefit of doubt regarding his imaan, may he do likewise for you and I? Again we shall give the benefit of doubt and say indeed he would do likewise insha-Allah!)

Allah certainly knows best.