Fourthly: Supposing he did say that, how can we base issues of Aqīdah on the statement of a Christian man who is not an authority in the Arabic language?!

Fifthly: Even if we assume that he was a Muslim, how can you reject authentic Prophetic narrations on the pretext that they are Āḥād (solitary narration), yet readily accept the statement of this individual?! Sixthly: The meaning of this line is actually incorrect, because it necessitates that everyone who has thoughts in their mind is considered a speaker - even those who cannot communicate vocally, and this is a clear contradiction. 5. Therefore, may Allāh bless you all, the claims of the Ashā'irah [that the attribute of speech subsists within Allāh] as well as the Mu'tazilah [who negate Allāh's ascension] are false and innovated beliefs. The reality is that 'speech' refers to an audible sound composed of letters. Also, when inner-speech is intended, there will always be an indication; for example, Allāh ﷻ said: {وَیَقُولُونَ فِیۤ أَنفُسِهِمۡ...} "They say within themselves..." [Sūrat Al-Mujādilah 8] We know that this is an internal speech because it is 'within themselves'. As for when 'speech' (kalām) is used in the general sense, it refers to an audible sound comprising letters and a voice. Similarly, when 'istiwā' is used in the general sense, it means to reach a level of perfection; for example, as Allāh ﷻ said concerning Mūsā (peace be upon him): {وَلَمَّا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُۥ وَٱسۡتَوَىٰۤ} "And when he reached his prime and became fully mature (istawā)..." [Sūrat Al-Qaṣaṣ 14] However, when it is followed by the prepositions عَلَى (above/over) or إِلَى (to), it means to rise and ascend, as when Allāh ﷻ says: {ثُمَّ ٱسۡتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلۡعَرۡشِۖ} "and then He rose over (istawā) the Throne (in a manner befitting His Majesty)." [Sūrat Al-A'rāf 54] Similarly, He ﷻ said: {ثُمَّ ٱسۡتَوَىٰۤ إِلَى ٱلسَّمَاۤءِ} "and then He rose over (istawā) towards the heaven." [Sūrat Al-Baqarah 29] NOTE: When it is followed by إِلَى (to), it can also convey the meaning of intending / turning, as Ibn Kathīr and others have mentioned. [Majmū‘ Fatāwa wa Rasā’il Al-‘Uthaymīn (3/312)] This is the creed of Ahlus Sunnah wal jamā'ah in contrast to the fabrications of these two factions of innovation pertaining to these two points of belief. We ask Allāh to benefit us all by what we have learnt.