How can one respond to those who raise doubts about the attribute of "plotting" (al-makr) concerning Allah, the Exalted, and say that it is a blameworthy attribute?

The "makr" (scheming/devising) of Allah Almighty against those who scheme against Him is one of His reported, active attributes. It refers to His inflicting His punishment upon His enemies from where they do not perceive, or His devising a stratagem to repel His enemy. It is an attribute of perfection when it is a recompense for their scheming, as Allah Almighty says: "And they schemed, and Allah schemed," and He says: "Thus We schemed for Joseph." Allah is not described with "makr" absolutely; rather, He is described with it in a qualified sense, that He is the Best of schemers.