Moreover, it is established that pursuing ambiguous passages is not confined to passages concerning the divine attributes. Indeed, Sahīh al-Bukhārī records that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to Aisha:

“O Aisha, when you see those who pursue what is ambiguous in it, those are the ones Allah has named, so beware of them.”

This is general in scope. The account of Sabīgh ibn ‘Asal and Umar ibn al-Khattāb is among the best-known cases. News had reached Umar that Sabīgh was asking about the ambiguous passages of the Quran. When Umar eventually met him, Sabīgh asked him about:

“By the winds that scatter far and wide.”

Umar said, “What is your name?” He replied, “Allah’s servant, Sabīgh.” Umar said, “And I am Allah’s servant, Umar,” and beat him severely.

Whenever someone persistently questioned Ibn Abbas about a matter of this kind, he would say, “How much you need to be treated as Umar treated Sabīgh!” This was because they saw that the questioner’s purpose was to stir up discord, not to seek guidance and understanding. As the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, said:

“When you see those who pursue what is ambiguous in it.”

And as Allah Most High said:

“As for those in whose hearts is deviation, they pursue what is ambiguous in it, seeking discord.”

They therefore punished them for this corrupt intention, as in the case of someone who sets verses of the Quran against one another. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, forbade this, saying:

“Do not set parts of Allah’s Book against one another.”

For that casts doubt into their hearts. Along with seeking discord, they sought its interpretation, which none but Allah knows. Their purpose was therefore blameworthy, and what they sought was unattainable—as with the trick questions that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, forbade.