Ibn Fāris, the lexicographer. Even if the verse were authentic, it would offer no proof, for, as we have explained, gaining dominion implies that one did not possess it before. We therefore seek refuge in Allah from the heretics’ denial of His attributes and from the corporealists’ likening Him to His creation.

As for the statement, “The early generations unanimously agreed not to go beyond reciting the verse”: if its proponent means that they did not negate what the verse indicates and states through the interpretations of those who deny Allah’s attributes—such as their claims concerning the Throne and dominion, or that “rose over” means “gained dominion,” and the like—but instead rejected such interpretations, then this is correct. But if he means that the early generations neither knew the meaning of rising over nor explained it, then this is false. It contradicts what has been transmitted from them through numerous independent reports, such as the statements of Rabīʿah and Mālik when they were asked concerning the words:

“The Most Merciful rose over the Throne” (5)