What is the correct approach to dealing with the attributes of Allah mentioned in the Qur'an, between those who necessitate allegorical interpretation (ta'wil) and those who affirm them as they are without anthropomorphizing or likening, and does one who differs in this become an unbeliever?

The correct approach is to affirm God's attributes as He described Himself and as His Messenger described Him, without ta'wil (figurative interpretation), takyeef (questioning how), tashbeeh (likening Him to creation), or tamtheel (making Him resemble creation). This is in accordance with His statement, the Almighty: "There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing." Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, clarified concerning al-istiwa' (God's ascending over the Throne), saying: "The istiwa' is known, its how is unknown, belief in it is obligatory, and asking about it is an innovation." This indicates that the attributes are affirmed without ta'wil, that knowledge of their 'how' is left to God, and that delving into them is disliked. One who errs in this is considered an innovator, not a disbeliever.