the clod into two equal portions, He threw one half into hell, saying, “These to eternal fire, and I care not,” and projected the other half into heaven, adding, “And these to Paradise, I care not.” (Kisasul-Anbiya 21; see also Abu-Dawood 2203; Al-Timidhi 38; Mishkat al-Misabih 3.112–13) Since the all-powerful Allah needs nothing outside himself, he loves nothing outside himself. Ultimate transcendence prohibits relational nearness. Allah stands above and beyond, ordaining and decreeing all that