Q 12: With regard to Imam Al-Nawawy, some people say: "He is Ash`ary concerning the Names and Attributes of Allah." Is it correct to say so? What is the evidence for this? Is it permissible to talk about scholars in such a way? Others said that he has written a book called Bustan Al-`Arifin in which he followed the Sufi example. Is this correct?

A: He committed mistakes with regard to the Attributes of Allah. He followed the example of those who allegorically interpreted the Attributes of Allah. Therefore, he is not to be imitated in this aspect. One should adhere to the saying of Ahl-ul-Sunnah (those adhering to the Sunnah); confirming the Attributes and Names of Allah as they were mentioned in the Qur'an and the authentic Sunnah. One should believe in these Attributes in a way that befits the Majesty of Allah (Part No. 3; Page No. 222) (Exalted be He) without Tahrif (distortion of the meaning), Ta`til (denial of Allah's Attributes), Takyif (descriptive designation of Allah's Attributes) or Tamthil (likening Allah's Attributes to those of His Creation). This means to work according to Allah's saying: There is nothing like Him; and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. And other Ayahs (verses) of the same meaning.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.