—constitute a third position that violates the consensus, and it is invalid (1).
It has also been reported (2) from Abu Sahl (3) al-Saʿlūki that he said, “He is Knowing by an infinite number of kinds of knowledge,” yet he added, “This view is preceded by that consensus.”
I say: This statement contains several points (4) through which, for the one whom Allah guides, guidance may be discerned and put to use.
First: In affirming that Allah’s speech is eternal he relied neither on a rational proof, nor on the Quran, nor on the Sunnah, nor on the words of any of the Salaf or the leading imams; rather, he based it solely on a claim of consensus, saying:
“The ummah in this matter holds two positions: some deny that Allah is described with command, prohibition, and report in this sense, while others affirm it. Everyone who affirms that He is characterized by these attributes maintains that these attributes are eternal; so if we were to affirm that He is characterized by these attributes and then judge that these attributes are originated, that would—"