such good deeds as Allah will, by them, erase his sins. (1) And if the expressions of threat that appear to cover him (2) do not necessarily apply to the one who offers an interpretation, to the penitent (3), to the doer of deeds that wipe out sins, to the one who has already been forgiven, and the like—then this case is even more deserving of exemption. In fact, the purport of these words is that whoever holds that creed is saved with respect to that belief, whereas whoever holds its opposite may be saved, and he may not be saved—just as it is said (4): “Whoever keeps silent is saved.”

As for the second question, I first answered them that every phrase I had used is transmitted from the Prophet ﷺ, such as the expressions “above the heavens,” “upon the Throne,” and “above the Throne.” I then said, “Write down the reply,” and the scribe began writing it.

Some members of the gathering then remarked, “Today’s sitting has gone on too long; let this be postponed until another session. You (5) compose the reply and bring it to that meeting.” Certain supporters, however, suggested that we finish the matter by writing the reply (6) immediately, lest their questions and objections circulate.