Where is the consensus of the Companions that the intended meaning of the texts of the attributes is their apparent meaning?
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The Shaykh : We have previously explained to you that if someone were to ask you: Where is the consensus of the Companions that the intended meaning of the texts of the attributes is their apparent meaning?
The answer is: Their silence regarding interpreting them in a way that contradicts their apparent meaning indicates their consensus. If they had held a view that contradicted the apparent meaning, they would have clarified it. Therefore, their consensus on remaining silent about interpreting them contrary to the apparent meaning indicates their consensus by speech on what they indicate. This is also a method that few people notice.
It is true that the one who invalidates [the doctrine] may confound you and say: Bring the evidence! Where is the statement of Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman, Ali, Ibn Mas'ud, Ibn 'Abbas, and others? Where is this? What is the answer?
The answer is: Nothing has been reported from them that contradicts this apparent meaning. So their silence regarding contradicting it is evidence that they are in consensus on it. This principle can be made a foundation for refuting whom? Every one who denies the divine attributes from the Asha'irah, the Mu'tazilah, the Jahmiyyah, and others.
The answer is: Their silence regarding interpreting them in a way that contradicts their apparent meaning indicates their consensus. If they had held a view that contradicted the apparent meaning, they would have clarified it. Therefore, their consensus on remaining silent about interpreting them contrary to the apparent meaning indicates their consensus by speech on what they indicate. This is also a method that few people notice.
It is true that the one who invalidates [the doctrine] may confound you and say: Bring the evidence! Where is the statement of Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman, Ali, Ibn Mas'ud, Ibn 'Abbas, and others? Where is this? What is the answer?
The answer is: Nothing has been reported from them that contradicts this apparent meaning. So their silence regarding contradicting it is evidence that they are in consensus on it. This principle can be made a foundation for refuting whom? Every one who denies the divine attributes from the Asha'irah, the Mu'tazilah, the Jahmiyyah, and others.