Imam Ahmad also described the teaching of the Jahmiyya in the account we quoted earlier. He said that he had been told that Jahm met some polytheists known as the Sumaniyya. They recognized Jahm and said to him, “We will debate you. If our argument prevails over yours, you will embrace our religion; if yours prevails over ours, we will embrace yours.”

Among the questions they put to Jahm was, “Do you not claim that you have a god?” Jahm replied, “Yes.” They asked, “Have you seen your God?” He replied, “No.” They asked, “Have you heard His speech?” He replied, “No.” They asked, “Have you detected any scent from Him?” He replied, “No.” They asked, “Have you perceived Him with your senses?” He replied, “No.” They asked, “Have you felt Him by touch?” He replied, “No.” They asked, “Then how do you know that He is a god?”

Ahmad said that Jahm became bewildered and for forty days did not know whom he worshipped. Then he