For this reason the leading imams—such as Ahmad ibn Hanbal and others—would repudiate anyone who made an unqualified statement that the lafz (utterance) of the Qur’an is created or uncreated. They would say: “Whoever declares that it is created is a Jahmi, and whoever declares that it is uncreated is an innovator. If someone claims that it is created in this context, he is in effect saying that it is not the speech of Allah.” Such a claim clashes with what has been mass-transmitted from the Messenger and with what sound reason makes self-evident.

People know—by sheer intellect—that when someone conveys the speech of another, the words belong to the one on whose behalf they are conveyed, the originator who first uttered them in command or in information, not to the intermediary who merely relays them.

For this very reason the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—would announce during the pilgrimage seasons:

“Is there a man who will carry me to his people so that I may convey the words of my Lord? For Quraysh have barred me from delivering the words of my Lord.” Reported by Abu Dawud and others from Jabir.

And when Allah, Exalted be He, revealed:

“Alif - Lam - Mim. The Romans have been defeated in the nearest land, yet after their defeat they will be victorious.” [al-Rum: 1]