His creation, and that His knowledge encompasses every place, is in agreement with what Sufyān said. We have already mentioned that figurative interpretation is acceptable when the leading scholars concur in it.

If it is asked, “Why, then, do you not permit figurative interpretation without restriction, following the precedent of the early generations?” we reply: “Allah forbid that this should be permissible! Fundamental principles are not derived from personal opinion, such that an analogy might be drawn and it be said: ‘Since figurative interpretation was permissible for the early generations, it is permissible for later generations.’ We have explained that if an interpretation of the early generations comes from the Companions, it is accepted because they heard it from the Messenger. If it comes from others and the leading scholars concur with them, we accept it. But if its proponent stands alone, we reject it and turn away from it, just as we turn away from the interpretations of later generations.”

I say: The hadith master Abū Mūsā al-Madīnī mentioned, in his compilation on the merits of the imam known by the title “Upholder of the Sunnah,” Abū al-Qāsim Ismāʿīl