the explicit denial of corporeality, this was what was required in his time. For when people grew presumptuous toward revealed law and asked what the Companions had not asked—whether He is a body or not—Muslims had no choice but to answer. This question naturally arises from people’s innate dispositions, and it became widespread among them, prompted by questions from people of other nations who were invited to embrace Islam and were accustomed to rational inquiry. Some gave the mistaken answer that He is a body, while others answered that He is not a body, which is the correct answer. Disagreement among them multiplied, doubt and bewilderment arose, and they declared one another unbelievers.”

He said:

“Since Imam al-Mahdī’s distinctive role was to eliminate disagreement among people, he came affirming the denial of corporeality of Him, glorified be He, and declared an unbeliever anyone who affirmed