Is ta'wil (figurative interpretation) absolutely forbidden, or are there details to be considered, and what was the stance of the Salaf regarding verses such as, "Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan?" and "Oh, my regret over what I neglected concerning the side of Allah," in response to those who describe Ahl al-Hadith as Heshwiyyah (Anthropomorphists) and Mushabbihah (Likening Allah to creation)?

A Muslim must believe in what Allah has told about Himself and the names and attributes with which He has described Himself, because Allah and His Messenger know best about this, and belief in what has been authentically reported from them is a religious obligation. The People of Hadith affirm what the texts have affirmed while negating any resemblance, citing the verse: "There is nothing like Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing." The Arabs did not find the issue of attributes problematic, and the default in Arabic speech is to take a word at its literal meaning and not to interpret it figuratively except with evidence. "O my sorrow over what I neglected in the side of Allah" means neglecting Allah's right. Major interpreters have recanted their interpretations and returned to the methodology of the People of Hadith.