What is the ruling on referring to written words as "speech" (kalam) and their author as a "speaker" (qa'il) Islamically, and is there any religious prohibition in doing so?

Speech (Kalam) is applied to everything that conveys benefit, whether it be spoken word, writing, gesture, or what the "tongue of the state" (lisan al-hal) pronounces, and also to what is in the soul that is expressed by a meaningful utterance. This is supported by Al-Akhtal's saying: "Indeed, speech is in the heart, and verily the tongue was made a guide to the heart." If a person writes a poem and does not utter it with his tongue, there is no harm in saying: "So-and-so said."

A Muslim is not held accountable for thoughts that cross the mind (hadith an-nafs), as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, Allah has pardoned for my nation what they talk to themselves about, as long as they do not act upon it or speak of it."

The creed of the Ahl al-Sunnah (Sunnis) is that the Qur'an written in the Mushaf is the speech of Allah Almighty, revealed and uncreated. Among the clearest proofs for this is Allah's saying: "And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the speech of Allah," and Jabir's saying: "The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, used to present himself to the people at the موقف (standing place), saying: 'Is there any man who will carry me to his people, for indeed Quraysh have prevented me from conveying the speech of my Lord?'"

The Salaf (early Muslims) disliked delving into the issue of utterance of the Qur'an (al-lafzh bil-Qur'an), because it resembled the doctrine of the people of innovation (Ahl al-Bid'ah). Al-Dhahabi said: "Imam Ahmad used to shut down discussion on this topic and did not permit it. Likewise, he would declare anyone who said: 'My utterance of the Qur'an is uncreated' an innovator. And he would declare anyone who said: 'My utterance of the Qur'an is eternal' astray. And he would declare anyone who said: 'The Qur'an is created' a disbeliever. Rather, he would say: 'The Qur'an is the speech of Allah, revealed, uncreated,' and he would forbid delving into the issue of utterance."