the foundations of their way upon sound principles concerning Allah’s oneness, safeguarding their beliefs against innovations and adhering to the belief of the early generations and the people of the Sunnah: affirming Allah’s oneness without likening Him to creation or denying His attributes.”

I say: This statement is correct. The teachings of the leading shaykhs who enjoy an honourable reputation within the Muslim community accorded with the belief of the early generations and the people of the Sunnah: affirming Allah’s oneness without likening Him to creation or denying His attributes. Groups that identify with the Sunnah generally agree on this formulation, although they dispute whether particular matters constitute likening Allah to creation or denying His attributes.

Abū al-Qāsim said: “They recognized what is proper to beginningless eternity and fully understood what characterizes that which comes into existence from nonexistence. The same was stated by the master of this group,