destined for, what has been and what will be, and how that which will not occur would be if it were to occur. We believe in obeying the leaders and offering sincere counsel to the Muslims. We hold that one should part company with everyone who calls to innovation and avoid the people of deviant inclinations. We shall present the evidence for the positions we have mentioned, and for those remaining positions we have not mentioned, chapter by chapter and point by point.”

I say:

These statements he mentioned in al-Ibānah are the same statements he attributed to the people of the Sunnah and hadith in al-Maqālāt, declaring that he himself held these positions, as previously quoted from Ibn Fūrak. In al-Ibānah, however, he elaborated on them somewhat by indicating their evidentiary basis, since it is a work arguing for these positions, not merely an authoritative source for reporting people’s doctrines. He discussed the question of seeing Allah and the question of the Quran, presenting his evidence concerning them.

He then said:

“Chapter on Establishment above the Throne

If someone asks, ‘What do you say concerning establishment above the Throne?’

He is told: We say that Allah, Mighty and Majestic, is established above His Throne, as He says:

‘The Most Merciful is established above the Throne (5).’
[Tā Hā: 5]

Allah, Mighty and Majestic, also says:

‘To Him good words ascend.’
[Fātir: 10]

And He says:

‘Rather, Allah raised him to Himself.’
[al-Nisā’: 158]

And He, Mighty and Majestic, says:

‘He directs the affairs from heaven to earth; then they ascend to Him.’
[al-Sajdah: 5]

And He says, relating Pharaoh’s words: ‘O Haman,