It is reported that some of the Salaf said: “We pass over the attributes without interpretation.” What is meant by this phrase?

Question:
The Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, says: It is reported that some of the Salaf said, “We pass over the attributes without alteration.” What is meant by this phrase?

Answer:
…to interpretation. To interpretation. Yes, this is as came from Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him): they were commanded to take them as they came, without interpretation, meaning without the interpretation of the Khalaf who interpret them, because they call ta'wil (figurative interpretation) interpretation, which is diverting the wording from its apparent meaning to another meaning. Without interpretation, meaning like the interpretation of the Khalaf, which is ta'wil in their view. As for interpretation in the sense of knowing their meaning, no one denies it. Neither Imam Ahmad nor anyone else. So the meaning of his saying “without interpretation” is in the manner of the Khalaf’s interpretation of them, that such and such is intended by them. Yes.