that has come to them are greatly abhorred by Allah and by those who believe.” [Ghāfir 35]

This applies to everyone who disputes about Allah without a Book sent down from heaven, for the revealed Book is the authority. As Allah Most High says:

“Or have We sent down to them an authority that speaks in support of what they associate with Him?” (35) [al-Rūm 35]

Allah Most High also says:

“Or do you have clear authority? (156) Then produce your scripture, if you are truthful.” (157) [al-Sāffāt 156-157]

And He says:

“Or do they have a stairway on which they listen? Then let their listener produce clear authority.” (38) [al-Tūr 38]

Accordingly, the heavenly revelation and words with which Allah sent His messengers must be taken as the foundation and the point of reference whenever there is disagreement over what to deny or affirm. All other denials and affirmations voiced by people must be referred back to that standard: whatever agrees with it is true, and whatever contradicts it is false.

When expressions are ambiguous, admitting meanings both consistent and inconsistent with Allah’s Book, they must neither be accepted nor rejected unconditionally. Rather, whatever in them agrees with Allah’s Book is accepted, and whatever contradicts it is rejected.

The hypocrite condemned by Allah and His Messenger is one who outwardly professes faith in the Book and the Messenger and allegiance to the believers, while inwardly harbouring the opposite. But one who practises dissimulation in relation to anything other than Allah’s Book, His Messenger, and the people of faith is not this kind of hypocrite. Accordingly, the Jahmiyyah, who deny the attributes, deny that Allah is a body