from the apparent meanings of texts concerning resemblance between Allah and creation and predestination. Thus the distinction is clear.”

Yet his denial is incorrect. Most adherents of hadith and the Sunnah—indeed, even ordinary people—necessarily know that affirming the divine attributes and predestination also belongs to their religion.

If those nonliteral interpretations whose falsity is necessarily known are so numerous that only Allah can count them, and they outnumber many times over the passages that someone claims must be interpreted nonliterally, then both the proponents of nonliteral interpretation and those who reject it say: It has been established by evidence that Allah sent down His Book as healing and guidance for mankind. In it He said:

“This is a clear declaration to mankind, and guidance and admonition for the God-fearing.” (138)
[Āl ‘Imrān 138]

And He said:

“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran so that you may understand.” (2)
[Yūsuf 2]

It has also been established that the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, conveyed the message clearly, as he was commanded. Allah declared that his duty was to convey the message clearly, and He said:

“He is the Knower of the unseen, and He does not disclose His unseen to anyone (26) except a messenger whom He approves. He then sends guards before him and behind him (27), so that He may know that they have conveyed the messages of their Lord. He encompasses all that is with them.”
[al-Jinn 26–28]

And He said:

“O Messenger, convey what has been sent down to you from your Lord. If you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. Allah will protect you from the people.”
[al-Mā’idah 67]

‘Ā’ishah said: “Whoever claims that Muhammad concealed the revelation has