We request an introduction to the Ash'ari school of thought.

The Shaykh : Yes.
Al-Huwaini: A question. We hear a lot about the Ash'aris, but we do not know about them or their works except that they interpret the attributes only. So, can you introduce us to them in more detail than that?

The Shaykh : It is the Ash'ari school of thought, a school in creed, as well as the Maturidi school. These people share with the people of the Sunnah the belief in some of the attributes, unlike the Mu'tazilah. So, they are with the Sunnah in some matters and with the Mu'tazilah in others. I advise students of knowledge not to strain themselves to know the views that contradict the Sunnah. Rather, I advise them to become acquainted with the Sunnah and the correct creed. After that, if the opportunity arises for them and they are able to know the schools that contradict the school of the people of the Sunnah and the Hadith, and if they can refute them and defend the school of the people of the Sunnah, let them do so. Otherwise, it is sufficient for them to know the true school, and there is no blame on them after that if they do not become acquainted with what contradicts this school. And I want us to suffice with this amount for now so that we can take a break, if Allah wills.
Al-Huwaini: May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : All praise is due to Allah; we praise Him, seek His help, and seek His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of our own selves and from the badness of our deeds. Whom Allah guides, there is no one who can misguide him, and whom He leaves to misguide, there is no one who can guide him. And I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.