and divine promise and warning, predestination and divine law, and love, wisdom, and mercy.

For this reason, Ahmad used to say:
“It is the root of every dispute.”

As for the Prophet’s answer, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, which Ahmad ultimately gave—“Allah knows best what they would have done”—it is the decisive answer in this matter. The implications of this knowledge will become manifest in the Hereafter. And Allah Most High knows best.

[Continuation of Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr’s discussion in al-Tamhīd]

Ahmad—may Allah have mercy on him—followed the earlier imams of the Sunnah in this matter and others, as we have related through Ishāq ibn Rāhawayh, in the account cited by Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr and others.

(Yahyā ibn Ādam narrated to us: Jarīr ibn Hāzim narrated to us, from Abū Rajā al-‘Utāridī, who said:

“I heard Ibn ‘Abbās say: ‘The affairs of this community will continue to go well, or nearly so—or words to that effect—until they begin discussing or examining the questions of children and predestination.’”

Yahyā ibn Ādam said:
“I mentioned this to Ibn al-Mubārak, and he said: ‘Should a person, then, remain silent in ignorance?’ I asked: ‘Then do you instruct us to discuss it?’ He remained silent.”

Muhammad ibn Nasr al-Marwazī also related: Shaybān ibn Shaybah narrated to us: Jarīr narrated to us