the Throne.” I said, “Write down the answer,” and the scribe began writing it.

Then some of those present said, “Today’s session has gone on long enough. Let this be deferred to another session. You can write the answer yourselves and bring it to that session.” Some who agreed with me suggested completing the discussion by writing down the answer, lest their questions and objections circulate unanswered. The opponents had a purpose in delaying the written answer: they wanted to prepare themselves, consult their books, bring those of their companions who had been absent, and examine the creed together so that they could challenge it and raise objections. It was therefore agreed that the discussion would be concluded on Friday, and we adjourned on that understanding.

Allah had made the proof manifest and the right path clear in a manner that strengthened the Sunnah and the community and humbled the people of innovation and misguidance. Many people had various thoughts about what might happen at the second session. During those days, they began examining the creed and considering the answers I had given on matters of belief, such as the Hamawiyyah response concerning Allah’s rising over the Throne, the divine attributes known through revelation, and other matters.