of what others possess; anyone who makes begging his profession while able-bodied is truly blameworthy and has overstepped the bounds.

We also maintain that, regarding one who listens to singing and musical entertainments, the matter is as he, peace be upon him, said:

“Singing causes hypocrisy to grow in the heart.”

Even if it does not render one an unbeliever, it is unquestionably sinful.

The position we adopt is that of our imams: to refrain from disputation in religion and from debating whether faith is created or uncreated. Whoever claims that the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is an intermediary conveying the message, and that those to whom he was sent are superior to him, is an unbeliever in Allah. Whoever advocates dispensing with intermediaries altogether has disbelieved. End of quotation.

Among their later scholars was the shaykh and imam Abū Muhammad ‘Abd al-Qādir ibn Abī Sālih al-Jīlānī. He said in his book al-Ghunya:

“As for knowing the Creator through signs and proofs, stated briefly, it means knowing with certainty that Allah is One, Unique.”

Later he said:

“He is in the direction of elevation, established over the Throne, encompassing all dominion; His knowledge encompasses all things:

‘To Him ascends good speech, and righteous deeds raise it.’

‘He directs the affairs from heaven to earth; then they ascend to Him in a Day whose measure is a thousand years by your reckoning.’

It is impermissible to describe Him as being everywhere. Rather, it should be said that He is above the heavens, over the Throne, as He said:

‘The Most Merciful established Himself over the Throne.’