Jahmīs when I stated that the early generations had not reinterpreted the verses and reports concerning the divine attributes. A well-known debate ensued over this. For days they examined books, consulted whatever material they could, and searched book collections until they found what they claimed would refute my statement.

When we met at the second or third session, that person said, “We have found instances of reinterpretation by the early generations.”

I replied, “Perhaps you have found their explanation of Allah’s words, ‘Wherever you turn, there is the Face of Allah’ [al-Baqarah 115], as meaning the direction of prayer appointed by Allah.”

He said, “Yes.”

I replied, “This is well known from Mujāhid and al-Shāfiʿī