and so they disagree over the Book, oppose the Book, and unite in opposing the Book. They make claims about Allah and speak about Him and His Book without knowledge. They use ambiguous language and deceive the ignorant through the confusion they create. We therefore seek refuge in Allah from the trials caused by those who lead others astray.”

The second approach is that of Hishām and his followers. It is reported that they affirmed of Allah what He has declared Himself free of: imperfections and resemblance to created beings. Imam Ahmad answered them by following the way of the prophets and their followers: holding firmly to the rope of Allah, concerning which Allah said:

“O you who believe, fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except as Muslims.”

“And hold firmly, all together, to the rope of Allah, and do not become divided.”

He also said:

“Mankind was one community. Then Allah sent the prophets as bearers of good tidings and as warners, and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between people concerning their differences. None differed over it except those who had been given it, after clear proofs had come to them, out of mutual rivalry. Then Allah, by His permission, guided those who believed to the truth concerning which they had differed. And Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path.”

Allah Most High also said:

“Alif Lām Mīm Sād.”

“A Book has been sent down to you—so let there be no distress in your heart because of it—that you may warn through it, and as a reminder to the believers.”

“Follow what has been sent down to you from your Lord, and do not follow any protectors besides Him. How little you take heed!”

Allah Most High also said:

“If guidance comes to you from Me, then whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray nor suffer misery.”

“But whoever turns away from My remembrance will have a life of hardship, and We will raise him blind on the Day of Resurrection.”

“He will say, ‘My Lord, why have You raised me blind