that we are required to affirm the attributes solely because the textual evidence has come down regarding them, and we are required to deny any anthropomorphic resemblance to Him, for “there is nothing like unto Him.” Upon this principle the statements of the early generations concerning the hadiths on the divine attributes are based.” End of quotation. All of the foregoing is the speech of al-Khattabi.

Abu Bakr al-Khatib, the ḥāfiẓ, voiced the same position.