Ibn Abī Hātim also said:

‘Al-Rabī‘ narrated to us: I saw al-Shāfi‘ī coming down the steps while some people in the gathering were discussing speculative theology. He called out, saying, “Either conduct yourselves well in our company, or leave us.”’”

It was also narrated from Ibn ‘Abd al-Hakam: “I heard al-Shāfi‘ī say, ‘If people knew what speculative theology concerning sectarian beliefs entails, they would flee from it as they flee from a lion.’”

Ibn ‘Asākir said:

“Al-Shāfi‘ī meant only innovated speculative theology which, upon examination, conflicts with scriptural evidence.”

He said:

“Zakariyyā ibn Yahyā al-Sājī made clear, in his transmission of this account from al-Rabī‘, that al-Shāfi‘ī’s prohibition of speculative theology concerned people who discoursed on divine decree. That is why he judged them to be innovators. This is indicated by what so-and-so reported to us.”

He narrated with his chain of transmission from Muhammad ibn Ishāq ibn Khuzaymah:

“I heard Yūnus ibn ‘Abd al-A‘lā say: ‘I came to al-Shāfi‘ī after he had spoken with Hafs al-Fard. He said, “You were away from us, O