Ahmad ibn Hanbal was among the staunchest opponents of Abd Allāh ibn Sa‘īd and his followers, such as al-Hārith al-Muhāsibī and others.” The discussion between him and Abū Alī on this subject continued at length.

I then said: “I have compiled the fundamental principles of our doctrines in a document.” I brought it out for him and said: “Examine what I have compiled in my own handwriting and explained concerning these questions. If there is anything in it that you disapprove of, explain to us why.” He stated that he had examined it and found nothing objectionable.

He also mentioned the written text to his shaykh. It stated:

“Allah, with all the attributes of His essence, is One; He has always existed and always will. Whatever is ascribed to Allah among His attributes of action and is not separate from Allah is uncreated. Everything ascribed to Allah that is separate from Him and other than Him is created.”’”

He mentioned that Abū al-Abbās al-Qalānisī and others agreed with those who opposed Abū Bakr; that he sent those questions in writing to a group of scholars; that they would report those who opposed Abū Bakr to the ruler; and that the governor of Nishapur ordered that Abū Bakr’s instructions concerning their banishment, beating, and imprisonment be carried out.

He also mentioned that Abd Allāh ibn Hammād said: “Blessed are they if the allegations against them are false,” and that Abd Allāh ibn Hammād