And as for takyif: it is for the one who affirms to believe that the manner of the attributes of Allah the Exalted is such and such, without restricting it to a likeness.
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The Shaykh : The author (may Allah have mercy on him and guide him) said: "And as for takyif, it is for the one who affirms to believe that the manner of the attributes of Allah the Exalted is such and such, without restricting it to a likeness". As you have it, restricting it, yes. The manner, takyif, is to say that the manner of His attributes is such and such, without restricting it to a likeness. For example, imagining a specific manner for the hand of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and saying the manner of His hand is such and such, without saying the manner of His hand is like the hand of a human or something similar to that.
So the difference between them is that tamthil is restricted to a likeness, while takyif is not restricted. Now, can we say that every one who does tamthil does takyif? Yes? Every one who does tamthil does takyif? Correct? Does every one who does takyif do tamthil? No, that is not correct. And yes, without restricting it to a likeness. This is a false belief, meaning the belief in the manner. The intended meaning is takyif, not the belief in the manner itself. So do not imagine from this wording that Allah’s attributes do not have a manner. But believing in it in the sense that a person imagines it is false. Therefore, it was mentioned in some narrations: "Reflect upon the verses of Allah, but do not reflect upon the essence of Allah". Because there is a danger that a person will liken Him to creation or deny Him. The matter is dangerous. Do not reflect upon the essence of Allah; reflect upon His verses and the meanings of His attributes.
So the difference between them is that tamthil is restricted to a likeness, while takyif is not restricted. Now, can we say that every one who does tamthil does takyif? Yes? Every one who does tamthil does takyif? Correct? Does every one who does takyif do tamthil? No, that is not correct. And yes, without restricting it to a likeness. This is a false belief, meaning the belief in the manner. The intended meaning is takyif, not the belief in the manner itself. So do not imagine from this wording that Allah’s attributes do not have a manner. But believing in it in the sense that a person imagines it is false. Therefore, it was mentioned in some narrations: "Reflect upon the verses of Allah, but do not reflect upon the essence of Allah". Because there is a danger that a person will liken Him to creation or deny Him. The matter is dangerous. Do not reflect upon the essence of Allah; reflect upon His verses and the meanings of His attributes.