associating partners with Allah is better for him than being afflicted with speculative theology concerning new matters.” He also said, “My judgment concerning speculative theologians is that they should be beaten with palm branches and sandals and paraded among the clans and tribes, while it is proclaimed: ‘This is the recompense of whoever abandons the Book and the Sunnah.’”

Al-Shāfiʿī was referring to the speculative theology of Hafs al-Fard and his like. Hafs followed the approach of Dirār ibn ʿAmr. Ahmad was referring to the speculative theology of this man and his like—for he was the best of those he debated—and Abū ʿĪsā Muhammad ibn ʿĪsā Burghūth, who was a follower of