He then said:

“We shall mention the foundations of the sunnah and the disagreements reported concerning our beliefs: the matters in which we differ from those who deviate from the truth and those in which we agree with the scholars of hadith who affirm the divine attributes—if Allah wills.”

He then discussed the disagreement concerning leadership of the Muslim community and presented arguments on the matter. He mentioned the agreement of the Emigrants and Helpers on giving precedence to al-Siddīq and that he is the best of this community.

He then said:

“There was also disagreement concerning ‘the creation of deeds’: are they decreed or not?”

He said:

“Our position is that the deeds of Allah’s servants are decreed and known to Him.”

He discussed the affirmation of divine decree. He then mentioned the disagreement concerning those who commit “major sins” and the question of “religious designations and rulings,” saying:

“Our position is that they are believers without qualification. Their case rests with Allah: if He wills, He punishes them, and if He wills, He pardons them.”

He also said:

“The foundation of ‘faith’ is a gift from which the deeds of Allah’s servants arise. It is thus the foundation of belief, affirmation, and deeds.”

He mentioned the disagreement concerning the increase and decrease of faith, saying:

“Our position is that it increases and decreases.”

He said:

“Then there was disagreement concerning whether the Quran is created or uncreated. Our position and that of our imams is that the Quran is Allah’s speech, uncreated, and that it is an attribute of Allah. From Him it originated as speech, and to Him it returns in judgment.”

He then mentioned the disagreement concerning seeing Allah, saying:

“Our belief and that of our imams is that Allah will be seen on the Day of Resurrection.”

He cited the supporting proof, then said:

“Know—may Allah have mercy on you—that I have discussed the rulings concerning these disagreements in the order followed by the hadith scholars throughout the ages. I have now begun to set out the provisions of the general articles of belief.

“We therefore say and believe that Allah, Mighty and Majestic, has a Throne, and that He is upon His Throne, above His seven heavens