so they neither firmly affirm and uphold belief in what the messengers brought nor accept what the Jahmiyyah say. This is a weakness in their faith and a sickness in their hearts. At other times, they profess both views, either simultaneously or at different times, without recognizing the contradiction between them. Sometimes they agree with the believers, sometimes with the Jahmiyyah, and sometimes with one group on certain points and the other on others.

This also occurs among those who affirm corporeality. Some of them practise dissimulation coupled with hypocrisy, agreeing with the others in their denial of derivative implications of corporeality, despite knowing that their own position is contradictory. Others profess both contradictory views without recognizing the contradiction, as explained above. These inconsistent people express the positions of both sides, but in varying terms. They are a vast multitude, comprising many groups within the Muslim community from the various ranks of people of learning and piety; none but the Lord of the worlds can number them.

The fourth point: It is necessarily known in Islam that people must refer whatever they dispute to Allah and the Messenger. For Allah sent His messengers and revealed His Books with the truth to judge between people concerning their differences, as Allah Most High says:

“We certainly sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance, so that people may uphold justice.” [al-Hadīd 25]

Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book in truth, so that you may judge between people by what Allah has shown you.” [al-Nisā’ 105]

Allah Most High says:

“Mankind was one community