The shaykh, imam and erudite scholar, Shaykh al-Islām Taqī al-Dīn Abū al-‘Abbās Ahmad ibn Taymiyyah—may Allah be pleased with him—was asked:

What do the esteemed scholars and leading authorities in religion—may Allah be pleased with them all—say concerning the hadith that al-Bukhārī cited as supporting evidence in his Sahīh, namely the statement of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace):

“Allah, Mighty and Majestic, calls out in a voice that those far away hear just as those nearby do: ‘I am the King; I am the Judge’”?

And concerning his statement (peace be upon him) in the well-known hadith:

“Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says: ‘O Adam, rise and send forth those destined for the Fire.’ Then comes a call in a voice: ‘Allah commands you to send forth those destined for the Fire.’”

Some people have said: “An attribute of Allah cannot be established on the basis of a single hadith.” What, then, is the answer to this question, drawing upon the Quran, the Sunnah, transmitted reports, reasoned argument, examples and analogous cases? Please explain this matter at length and give us a ruling. May you be rewarded.

He replied:

Praise be to Allah, Lord of all worlds. The fundamental principle in “this subject” is that a person must speak only with knowledge. Although this is commanded in all matters, it is even more obligatory in this subject. Allah Most High says:

“Say: