cannot find it. Such too are those among us who deny its meanings. Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him, said of them: “They disagree over the Book, oppose the Book, and are united in departing from the Book.” Allah, Exalted is He, said:

“That is because Allah has sent down the Book in truth. Indeed, those who differ over the Book are in far-reaching discord (176).” [al-Baqarah 176]

If it is said, “But the early generations differed over some of its meanings,” the answer is: None of the early generations inwardly relied on something contrary to the Quran and then either interpreted the Quran to suit his desires or turned away from its meaning and abandoned it, as Allah, Exalted is He, said concerning the messengers:

“And the Messenger will say, ‘My Lord, my people have indeed abandoned this Quran’ (30).”