What is the difference between the belief system of the Salaf and the Maturidiyyah, and do Maturidis enter Paradise?

The Maturidiyyah is a theological, innovated sect attributed to Abu Mansur al-Maturidi. It relies on rational proofs to establish doctrine and was influenced by the Jahmiyyah in its interpretation of anthropomorphic attributes and in its position on irja’ (postponement). It went through four stages: foundation (Abu Mansur al-Maturidi), formation (dissemination of al-Maturidi’s ideas), compilation and authentication, and expansion and spread with the support of the Ottoman Empire.

The Maturidiyyah differs from Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah in several aspects: - Their division of the fundamentals of religion into 'Ilahiyyat (divine matters, based on intellect) and Shar’iyyat (legal matters, based on revelation), in contrast to the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah, which relies on the Qur’an, Sunnah, and consensus as sources. - Their assertion of the obligation to know Allah through intellect before the advent of revelation, stating that this is the first obligation upon the accountable individual. This contradicts Ahl al-Sunnah, who believe that reward and punishment occur after the advent of religious law and that the first obligation is the oneness of Allah. - Their concept of Tawhid focuses on proving the oneness of Allah in His essence, attributes, and actions using rational and philosophical arguments. - Their affirmation of only eight attributes for Allah (Life, Power, Knowledge, Will, Hearing, Sight, Speech, and Formation) and their interpretation of other anthropomorphic attributes, whereas Ahl al-Sunnah affirm all attributes indicated by the texts without anthropomorphism or negation. - Their assertion that the speech of Allah is truly the internal speech existing in His essence, and that what is heard is merely an "expression" of it, which led them to claim that the Qur'ans (Mushafs) are created. This contradicts the consensus of the imams. - Their assertion regarding faith (Iman) as being solely affirmation by the heart, and their rejection of its increase or decrease, aligning with the Murji'ah in this regard. In contrast, Ahl al-Sunnah believe that faith is belief, word, and deed; it increases with obedience and decreases with disobedience. - Their affirmation of seeing Allah in the Hereafter while denying direction and proximity.

The Maturidiyyah are not judged to be in Paradise or Hell; rather, they are considered among the general Muslims, and their innovation is not one that leads to disbelief. Their status varies between those who interpreted and are excused or mistaken and held accountable, and their affair is with Allah. Ibn Taymiyyah believed that many of these imams have good deeds and commendable efforts, and that whoever strives to seek the truth and errs is forgiven.