that it is incapable [of bearing] His majesty and greatness to the point that it creaks under Him; since it is known that the creaking of a saddle under the rider is only due to the strength of what is above it, and its inability to bear it (1).
Notes
- (1) The author limited himself to this quotation to clarify the meaning, while the rest of al-Khaṭṭābī's words are an ugly interpretation of this hadith, and a diversion from its literal meaning; and this is clearly apparent from the entirety of his words, which al-Dashtī, may Allah have mercy on him, refrained from quoting. The text of his words is: Al-Khaṭṭābī said: "Modality is negated regarding Allah and His attributes, and it is merely speech meant for approximation!! It is intended to establish the greatness and majesty of Allah in a way that the questioner's understanding can grasp. And the meaning of His statement: 'Do you know what Allah is?' means: Do you know what the greatness and majesty of Allah are? And His statement: 'It groans under Him' means: It is unable to bear His majesty and greatness to the point that it groans under Him, since it is known that the groaning of a saddle under the rider is only due to the weight of what is above it, and its inability to bear it. By this type of representation, he establishes the meaning of Allah's greatness and majesty, and the elevation of His Throne, so that it is known that the One described with loftiness of status, and majesty of rank, cannot be made an intercessor to one who is below Him. Exalted is Allah above being compared to anything, or being given a modality in the form of creation, or being comprehended by Al-Ḥadd. {There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing} [Al-Shura: 11]." Al-Baghawī followed up on this (criticized it) as preceded shortly above. Among the later scholars, the author of the book "Awn al-Ma'bud" followed up on this interpretation and distortion, saying (13/12): "I say: Al-Khaṭṭābī's words contain a far-fetched interpretation contrary to the apparent meaning, for which there is no need. Rather, the correct and relied-upon approach regarding the hadiths of the attributes is to pass them on according to their apparent meaning without interpretation, assigning modality, comparison, or representation, as was the way of the righteous Predecessors (Salaf). And Allah knows best." End quote. I say: Sharaf al-Ḥaqq al-ʿAẓīm Ābādī proceeded here upon the most upright path of what the People of the Sunna and the Congregation are upon, except that he has violations in Aqidah that I pointed out in my book: "Al-Tanbihat al-Jaliyya 'ala al-Mukhalafat al-'Aqdiyya fi Kitab 'Awn al-Ma'bud" (2nd ed., Dar al-Lu'lu'ah).
