Explanation of the Correct Rules-07b
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The questioner : Then we mentioned that the chapter of informing is broader. It is unclear to me: is it not the case that if we inform, we have described?
The Shaykh : This objection is undoubtedly valid. However, what we mentioned is that pure textual restriction applies to the names, whereas there is no limit to the attributes. It is permissible to inform about Allah with any attribute that does not contradict His perfection, even if it has not been explicitly mentioned, as long as it falls within the scope of what is befitting for Allah. There is no harm in this. For example, some later writers say about Allah, Mighty and Majestic, that He is the engineer of the universe. What do you say about this phrase? I see that it is not permissible. "Engineer" implies that one must study until he is awarded a doctorate to become an engineer. Such a phrase is not suitable. But if he said "the Maker of the universe," is that suitable? Yes.
The questioner : He said, "There is no attribute in the Qur'an..."?
The Shaykh : Except...
The Shaykh : This objection is undoubtedly valid. However, what we mentioned is that pure textual restriction applies to the names, whereas there is no limit to the attributes. It is permissible to inform about Allah with any attribute that does not contradict His perfection, even if it has not been explicitly mentioned, as long as it falls within the scope of what is befitting for Allah. There is no harm in this. For example, some later writers say about Allah, Mighty and Majestic, that He is the engineer of the universe. What do you say about this phrase? I see that it is not permissible. "Engineer" implies that one must study until he is awarded a doctorate to become an engineer. Such a phrase is not suitable. But if he said "the Maker of the universe," is that suitable? Yes.
The questioner : He said, "There is no attribute in the Qur'an..."?
The Shaykh : Except...