What is the interpretation (ta'wil) of the Names and Attributes (of Allah), what are its limits, when is it resorted to, when should the literal meaning be taken, and when is there evidence to divert its meaning, or to negate or affirm an attribute?

Interpretation (ta’wil) has three meanings: 1. Exegesis (Tafsir): Clarifying speech by mentioning its intended meaning. This is known to people of knowledge. 2. The actualization of speech: If it is a narration, its interpretation is the reality of what is being narrated. If it is a command, its interpretation is the fulfillment of what is commanded. This meaning remains unknown until it occurs, and it is plausible in His Almighty's saying: {And no one knows its interpretation except Allah and those firmly rooted in knowledge}. 3. Diverting a word from its preponderant meaning to a less preponderant meaning due to an evidence that necessitates it: This is the terminology of later scholars. If it is supported by sound evidence, it is a praiseworthy truth. If it is not supported by sound evidence, it is a blameworthy falsehood (distortion).

Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah clarified that there was no disagreement among the Companions regarding the interpretation of the verses of Attributes in the Quran, and that they did not interpret any of them contrary to their understood implication. As for other texts that are not explicit regarding the Attributes, the disagreement concerning them does not make the statement of one who does not affirm an attribute through them an evidence for interpreting the Attributes, for the indication of a text is according to its context and surrounding evidence.