of the Quran. They both related, on the authority of someone whose word they considered obligatory to accept, that he was asked about Allah Most High’s words:

“and that to your Lord is the ultimate end” {42} [al-Najm 42].

He replied: “When discussion reaches Allah, refrain.” They therefore refrained from discussing or delving into this matter until they died. Those of their followers who continued to maintain that He has a form remained committed to that view.

Al-Nawbakhtī said: “I say that this account mentioned by al-Warrāq has indeed been transmitted. Yet I have met several followers of Hishām ibn Sālim who claimed that he continued to argue in support of the view that He has a form until he died.”

Abū ‘Īsā said: “As for ‘Alī ibn Ismā‘īl ibn Maytham,