What is the difference between the meaning (al-ma'na) and the modality/how (al-kayf) in the attributes of Allah according to Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah? And are the meanings of Allah's attributes taken from Arabic language dictionaries? And what is the limit at which a Muslim must stop in understanding the meanings of the Names and Attributes to be upon the methodology of the Salaf?

The meaning is the linguistic signification of a word, while 'kayf' (how) is the description of the meaning's form and reality. A Muslim understands what is stated in the texts of the two revelations about Allah Almighty through their understanding of the Arabic language. The 'kayfiyyah' (modality/how-ness) is of the unseen; it cannot be known except through a text. Therefore, one should not delve into it. 'Istawa' (Allah's ascending/establishing Himself) is known, and the 'kayf' (how) is unknown. We believe in what has been revealed and do not ask about its 'kayfiyyah'. Whoever believes in what the texts indicate, while absolving Allah of any resemblance to His creation, has followed the methodology of the Salaf (pious predecessors), based on His (Allah's) saying: "There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing." This methodology affirms the names and attributes, and negates resemblance (tashbeeh), anthropomorphism (tamtheel), and asking 'how' (takyeef).