The Qur’an is the speech of Allah—uncreated from every angle and in every respect. Whoever holds fast to this belief has no need for debate about lafẓ (articulation) or any other speculation concerning the Qur’an. Whoever alleges that the Qur’an is created has committed unbelief, has left the faith, and his wife is automatically separated from him. He is called to repent: if he does so, all is well; if not, his neck is struck, his wealth is distributed as booty among the Muslims, and he is not buried in their graveyards. Whoever hesitates and says, “I will not say it is created nor uncreated,” has approximated disbelief. And whoever claims, “My articulation of the Qur’an is created,” is an innovator who is neither to be kept company with nor spoken to.

After all this, if anyone still goes to Muhammad ibn Ismaʿil al-Bukhari, regard him with suspicion, for no one attends his gathering except someone who holds the same doctrine. (1)

Al-Hakim said: Muhammad ibn Abi al-Haytham in Bukhara informed us; al-Firabri informed us; al-Bukhari narrated to us: he said, “I have examined the statements of the Jews, the Christians, and the Magians, and I have not found anyone more misguided in their unbelief than the Jahmiyyah. Indeed, I deem ignorant anyone who does not declare them disbelievers.” (2)

Ghunjar said: Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Hadir al-ʿAbsi narrated to us; al-Firabri narrated to us: I heard al-Bukhari say, “The Qur’an is the speech of Allah, uncreated; whoever says it is created is a disbeliever.” (3)

Al-Hakim also said: Tahir ibn Muhammad al-Warraq narrated to us; I heard Muhammad ibn Shadhil say: When the dispute arose between Muhammad ibn Yahya and al-Bukhari, I went in to al-Bukhari and said, “Abu ʿAbd Allah, what way out is there for us regarding what has taken place between you and Muhammad ibn—”