The term “likening” does, however, occur in the statements of some of them, together with their explanation of it, as we have recorded from them. By “likening,” they meant likening Allah to His creation, not denying the attributes found in the Quran and hadith. Furthermore, even if this statement were true in itself, it would still lack any supporting proof that ought to be followed. It is merely an assertion made in the course of a dispute—something easily offered by anyone who considers it permissible and commendable to speak without knowledge or justice.

It also reveals little familiarity with the views of either the people of the Sunnah or the proponents of religious innovation, for he said:

“Likewise, all proponents of religious innovation claim that they follow the doctrine of the early generations.”

This is not the case. Rather, groups notorious for religious innovation, such as the Kharijites and the Rafidites, do not claim to follow the doctrine of the early generations. Indeed, they declare most of the early generations to be disbelievers. The Rafidites disparage Abū Bakr, ʿUmar, the majority of the earliest pioneers among the Emigrants and the Helpers, those who followed them in righteousness, and the other leading scholars of Islam. How, then, can they claim to follow the doctrine of the early generations? Instead, they falsely and slanderously claim adherence to the doctrine of the Prophet’s household. Likewise, the Kharijites declared ʿUthmān, ʿAlī, and the majority of Muslims among the Companions and their successors to be disbelievers. How, then, can they claim to follow the doctrine of the early generations?

(The fourth point)

This designation is not mentioned in the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of His Messenger, or the statements of any of the Companions, their successors, the leading scholars of Islam, or any shaykh or scholar