man who tells people something beyond their understanding without it becoming a source of trial for some of them.”

If he says, “Rather, some of the early generations were certain that what was meant was His own coming,” then this is a definite affirmation that they understood its meaning and that the other view was false. They were not silent and bewildered. Undoubtedly, what He decrees and commands also comes, but He Himself comes, as He has told us about Himself, in a manner befitting His majesty.

Thus, to say, “We do not know the manner of His rising above,” is correct. But if this discourse and speech had a meaning that no one understood—neither the Messenger, nor Gabriel, nor the believers—it would not be something that could be pondered and understood. Rather, such a thing would be futile, and Allah is far above futility.

Moreover, their position necessarily entails the same regarding hadiths, such as his saying:

“Our Lord descends every night to heaven.”

Was the Messenger, then, uttering this hadith and others like it without comprehending what he was saying or understanding any meaning in it? Glory be to Allah! This is a monstrous slander, an attack on the Messenger, and an empowerment of the heretics.

If it is said that he did not understand the meaning of the very speech he brought, they will say, “Then he would be even less likely to understand other forms of rational knowledge.” The discussion concerns the attributes of the Lord. Thus, if it is said that what was revealed to him concerning