Second, mentioning those endowed with knowledge in connection with this testimony, and ascribing it to them, indicates that it is a necessary consequence and requirement of knowledge. Whoever possesses knowledge bears this testimony. Similarly, one says: when the crescent moon appears and becomes clearly visible, everyone endowed with sight sees it; and when a distinct fragrance spreads, everyone endowed with a sense of smell perceives it. Allah Most High says:

79:36 “And Hellfire will be displayed for all to see.”

Everyone endowed with sight will then see it with their own eyes.

This makes clear that whoever does not bear this testimony concerning Him, glorified be He, is among the most ignorant, even if he knows things about worldly affairs that no one else knows. He belongs among those endowed with ignorance, not those endowed with knowledge.

We have already explained that none have upheld this testimony and borne it as it should be borne except the followers of the messengers: those who affirm the divine attributes. They are the ones endowed with knowledge. All others are people of ignorance, however extensively they discourse and however much they debate.

Another benefit is Allah’s testimony, glorified be He, that those who bear this testimony are endowed with knowledge. His testimony on their behalf is more just and truthful than the testimony of the Jahmiyyah, the deniers of the divine attributes, and the Pharaonites, who describe them as ignorant, as Hashwiyyah, as likening Allah to His creation, as corporealists, and as Nawābit and Nawāsib.

Sufficient for them is the testimony of the most truthful of all that they are endowed with knowledge, since they bear witness to the reality of what He has testified concerning Himself, without distortion or denial. They affirm concerning Him the reality of this testimony and everything it entails. Their opponents deny that its real meanings apply to Him, affirming only its words and figurative meanings.

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This divine testimony also entails praise for the people of knowledge who bear it and an affirmation of their integrity. For He, glorified be He, has joined their testimony to His own testimony and that of His angels. He also called for testimony