Are Allah's attributes known to us before their attribution or after, and does the known meaning of an attribute remain known after its attribution and ascription to the Creator's Being?

The unknown aspect is the how of Allah’s attributes, but their meaning is known. This is why scholars have said: "We pass them on as they came, we believe in them, and we do not ask: 'How?'" Imam Malik said: "The istiwa' (ascension) is known, its kayf (how) is unknown, belief in it is obligatory, and asking about it is an innovation." This indicates the affirmation of the attributes without ta'wil (figurative interpretation), delegating the kayf (how), and the aversion of the Salaf to delving into the verses of attributes. It is reported from the Salaf that they said: "Pass them on as they came without asking how." This necessitates belief in their meanings befitting Allah and negating any modality from them.