this, there are] rational proofs, so it must be understood as we have stated—meaning power. The apparent meaning of the expression ‘two hands’ is two bodily limbs. If understanding them in this sense is impossible, and interpreting them as power, blessing, or dominion is ruled out, then asserting that they signify two eternal attributes of Allah, additional to all His other attributes, is sheer arbitrariness.”

Abū al-Maālī said:
“As for the two Eyes and the Face, our shaykh Abū al-Hasan gave differing answers. On one occasion, he said that they are two attributes, just as he had said concerning the two Hands. On another, he said that the two Eyes are understood to mean sight. This is the more evident of his two views. He likewise understood ‘Eyes’ in His words:

‘Sailing under Our Eyes’
[al-Qamar: 14]

That is, the ship sails within Our sight. It has also been explained as ‘under Our protection.’ He understood the Face to mean the Creator’s existence, citing as evidence the words of the Most High:

‘And the Face of your Lord will remain’
[al-Rahmān: 27]

It is Allah who remains after creation has perished.

Abū al-Maālī said: In our view, this is the correct one of his two answers. His answers differed only because the appeal to the apparent meaning is stronger in the case of the two Hands.”

Abū al-Qāsim al-Naysābūrī said:
“Abū al-Hasan’s view that the Face is an attribute additional to existence is more evident, while his view that the two Eyes mean sight is more evident.

Abū al-Maālī said:
‘Those among our fellow scholars who allow the affirmation of attributes