The Meaning of the Salaf's Statement Regarding the Attributes: They Affirmed Them as They Came Without Ascribing a Mode

The Shaykh : Among the famous phrases attributed to them is that they said regarding the verses of the attributes and the hadiths: "They affirmed them as they came without ascribing a mode". This phrase clearly indicates that they affirm the meaning, because their statement "they affirmed them as they came" necessitates preserving their indication as it is. It is well known that these are words that came for a meaning; they are not empty words without meaning. Far be it from Allah that He would describe Himself and name Himself with names and attributes in His Book, and that these would be, in their view, empty words with no meaning. They came to establish the meaning. Therefore, affirming them as they came means establishing the meanings they indicate. Also, their statement: "without ascribing a mode" indicates the establishment of the essence of the meaning, because what does the negation of ascribing a mode indicate? It indicates the establishment of the essence, the establishment of the essence of the meaning. Because if the essence were not established, mentioning the negation of ascribing a mode would be meaningless and of no benefit. Thus, the methodology of the Salaf is safer, more knowledgeable, and more wise.