Did al-Juwayni and al-Razi return from the path of Ta'wil (which is in reality distortion) to the path of Ithbat, or to the path of Tafwid (which is the second approach among the Ash'aris)?

The change in the state of al-Juwayni and al-Razi before their deaths is a well-known matter, as they explicitly stated the error of the method of the philosophers and theologians, and their return to the madhhab of the Salaf in general terms. Al-Juwayni said on his deathbed: "Hold fast to the religion of old women," and "Bear witness for me that I have recanted every statement that contradicts the Salaf." As for Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, he left a will that indicates he had improved his belief, stating in it: "I have tested the theological paths and philosophical methodologies, and I have not found in them a benefit equal to the benefit I found in the Magnificent Qur'an... Therefore, I say: Everything established by clear proofs... that is what I affirm and with which I shall meet Allah Almighty. As for what ends in subtlety and ambiguity, everything mentioned in the Qur'an and the agreed-upon authentic narrations... I say my religion is the following of Muhammad, the master of messengers, and my book is the Magnificent Qur'an, and my reliance in seeking religion is upon them both."

Although their return was commendable in general terms, it was not a complete return to the madhhab of the Salaf in all matters. Al-Juwayni's return regarding the attributes was to tafwid (delegation of meaning) and not to ithbat (affirmation), which is not the madhhab of the Salaf. He also retained some issues and presented them according to his earlier madhhab. The same applies to Fakhr al-Din al-Razi.