hearing them. They have lied! Rather, explanation means saying “a face” without saying how. Asking “how” in this matter is not part of the Muslims’ discourse. As for expressing these meanings in another language, Allah Most High says:

“The Jews say, ‘Allah’s hand is tied up.’ May their hands be tied up!” [al-Mā’idah 64]

They said this in Hebrew, yet He reported their words in Arabic. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, would have his letters written in Hebrew, containing Allah’s names and attributes; these were thus expressed in different languages. Letters would also be written to him in Syriac, and Zayd ibn Thābit, may Allah be pleased with him, would translate them into Arabic for him. Allah Most High is invoked by His name in every language, and He answers. Oaths are sworn by His names and become binding; He is implored, and bounty is granted; He is described, and thereby known.

Then they said, “The Messenger himself, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is not an authoritative proof.” They also said, “After his death, he is no longer conveying the message, so no binding proof is established through him.” Thus, their statements amounted to