Muʿāwiyyah b. al-Ḥakam al-Sulamī (رضي الله عنه) narrates:

I had a servant-maid who would tend my flock of goats near Uḥud and al-Jawwānniyyah.^[1[ One day, I supervised the flock and discovered the indications that a predator had taken a goat from among them. Upon noticing, I had wanted to pardon her. However, I am but a man from the children of Ādam, I become angry as they do, so I slapped her harshly. Thereafter, I approached Allāh’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and informed him of what transpired. He deemed my action to be severe and reprehensible. I said, “O’ Messenger of Allāh! Do you advise me to free her?” The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) replied, “Bring her to me.” After being brought to him, he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) questioned her, “Where is Allāh?” She responded, “Above the heavens.” He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) asked, “Who am I?” She replied, “You are the Messenger of Allāh.” He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) then said, “Free her, for she is a believing woman.”^[2]

This is an authentic ḥadīth. It was reported by Muslim, Abū Dawūd, al-Nasāʾī, and others amongst the Imāms [of the religion] in multiple compilations. They affirmed it and believed in what it contains without objecting to it by altering or distorting its [apparent meaning]. Similarly, all of those whom we witnessed being asked, “Where is Allāh?” would hasten, by means of their natural disposition (fiṭrah), to answer by saying, “Above the heavens!” This narration indicates two matters:

1. Firstly, it is legislated for the Muslim to ask, “Where is Allāh?”
2. Secondly, that the [legislated and correct] response is to say, “Above the heavens.” opposes or objects to either one of these lessons has opposed the Prophet (ﷺ) himself.^[3]