What is the meaning of the phrase "from the extremist affirmers (ghulat al-muthbitah)" by which Al-Dhahabi described Ibn Khuzaymah, and is it considered a dispraise? What are the sources for the statements of the imams mentioned in Fatwa no. [6707]?

Al-Dhahabi mentioned this in his book "Al-Uluw lil-Ali al-Ghaffar," and his words may be interpreted as a disapproval of Ibn Khuzaymah's extremism in dealing harshly with opponents. This is because Al-Dhahabi affirmed the attributes of Allah and acknowledged Ibn Khuzaymah's leadership and praised him.

Al-Dhahabi denounced Ibn Khuzaymah's absolute excommunication of those who did not affirm the attributes. Al-Hakim reported Ibn Khuzaymah as saying: "Whoever does not affirm that Allah is above His Throne, above His seven heavens, is an infidel whose blood is lawful and whose property is spoils of war."

Al-Dhahabi commented that whoever affirms this, believing in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah, and delegating its meaning [to Allah], is the muslim follower. As for one who denies this out of ignorance, he is negligent. But whoever denies it after having knowledge has deviated from the path of the Salaf.

Al-Dhahabi believed that Ibn Khuzaymah's statement, though true, was harsh. He quoted Ibn Khuzaymah as saying that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah, and whoever says it is created is an infidel who should be asked to repent or else be killed. He held that the Salaf did not delve into interpretation but believed and delegated the knowledge [of these matters] to Allah and His Messenger. He also believed that whoever errs in their ijtihad, while their faith is sound, should not be condemned or deemed an innovator.