Ruling on offering Salah (prayer)

Q 2: Confirming the Loftiness of Allah as in the Hadith of the slave girl. Is it a sound and clear Hadith? Imam Al-Ghazaly said: "Allah is where he was before He created space and time." We would like you to point out this matter for us.

A: The Hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked the slave girl: "Where is Allah." She replied: "In the heaven." Then he (peace be upon him) said to her master: "Release her for she is a believer." is a Sahih Hadith (a Hadith that has been transmitted by people known for their uprightness and exactitude; free from eccentricity and blemish). It is proof that confirms the loftiness of Allah and that He is above His creations not intermingling with them. This fact is also proven by the Qur'an, authentic Hadiths reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him), the consensus of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) (Part No. 3; Page No. 202) and the Imams from among the Salaf (righteous predecessors) (may Allah be merciful to them) many years before the birth of Shayhk Al-Ghazaly. Therefore, the opinion of Al-Ghazaly or those who followed him will not be taken into consideration. We should believe in what was mentioned in the Qur'an, Sunnah and the consensus of the Companions and the Imams of Salaf. We advise you to read Al-`Aqidah Al-Wasitiyyah by Ibn Taymiyyah, Ijima` Al-Juyush Al-Islamiyyah by Ibn Al-Qayyim and Al-`Ulu Lil`aly Al-Ghaffar by Al-Dhahaby. In these books, you will find the truth and their proofs.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.