and suspension of judgment concerning it. For this matter is too grave to admit any laxity, to allow any place for conjecture or interpretation, or to be approached through reason or analogy. Knowledge of it comes only through transmission or authoritative instruction from the revealed Book or the words of the Messenger sent by Allah, conveyed through an authentic report that leaves no excuse. Allah has informed us that “There is nothing like Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing,” thereby ruling out resemblance between Himself and all things and invalidating analogy in this matter.

He, Glorified and Exalted, says:
“And they encompass nothing of His knowledge except what He wills.” [Al-Baqarah 255]

He also says:
“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge.” [Al-Isrā’ 36]

And He says:
“And that you say about Allah what you do not know.” (169) [Al-Baqarah 169]

As for the attributes established by Allah’s Book and by what has been authentically transmitted from the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, through reports that leave no excuse, affirming them is obligatory. For Allah, Glorified and Exalted, has attested to the truthfulness of His Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and declared him free of falsehood, saying:
“Nor does he speak from his own desire. (3) It is only a revelation revealed. (4)” [Al-Najm 3–4]

And He, Majestic and Most High, says:
“He is the Knower of the unseen, and He does not