Part Four
The Book of the Detailed Exposition of Creed

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful. All praise belongs to Allah alone, and blessings and peace be upon him after whom there is no prophet.

Shaykh al-Islām Ahmad ibn Taymiyyah—may Allah sanctify his soul—was asked:

“What is your view of the approach of the early generations to matters of creed and the approach of those who came later? Which of the two is correct, and which do you yourselves follow?

“And concerning the people of hadith: are they more likely to be correct than others? Are they the ones meant by the saved sect? Have branches of knowledge emerged after them that they did not know, but others came to know?”

He replied:

All praise belongs to Allah. A detailed discussion of these questions could fill volumes, but we shall indicate the most important points. Allah alone grants success.

Allah Most High says:

“Whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than