for what is in the hearts, nor a light, nor a source of judgment in disputes. For we know with certainty that what these people who strain their reasoning call the truth that must be believed is indicated by neither the Book nor the Sunnah, whether explicitly or through their apparent meaning. The most a would-be intellectual can do is infer this from Allah’s words:

“Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”

“Do you know of any who is His equal?”

It is self-evident to every rational person that anyone who directs people to conclude that Allah is not upon the Throne or above the heavens, and similar claims, on the basis of His words—“Do you know of any who is His equal?”—has taken a thoroughly roundabout route. He is either speaking in riddles or misleading them; he has not addressed them in clear Arabic.

This position necessarily entails that leaving people without a revealed message would have been better for them with respect to the foundations of their religion. For the authority to which they refer is the same before and after the message; the message has only increased their blindness and misguidance.

Glory be to Allah! How is it that neither the Messenger nor any of the early generations of this community ever said: “Do not believe what these verses and hadiths indicate. Instead, believe what your own criteria dictate, or believe such-and-such, for that is the truth. Do not believe the apparent meaning of any text that conflicts with it. Or examine these texts: accept whatever accords with the reasoning of your minds, and suspend judgment on whatever does not, or reject it”?

Moreover, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, foretold that his community would split into three