Is the Prophet's not saying "And to Allah belongs the highest example" in the hadiths where he gave examples for Allah Almighty, an indication that this statement is not obligatory, and that it is not permissible to criticize one who does not say it?

The phrase "and to Allah belongs the highest attribute" (وَلِلَّهِ الْمَثَلُ الْأَعْلَى), mentioned after referencing a created being when comparing it to the Creator, is not obligatory but rather desirable at times. This is evidenced by its usage in the Qur'an and Sunnah (definition), and by the statements of scholars, especially when negating anthropomorphism (takyif) and similitude (tamthil). When the doubts of anthropomorphism and similitude arose, scholars found it necessary to use this phrase.