What is the interpretation of the statement of the Pious Predecessors regarding the issue of Istawa' (God's 'establishment' or 'ascension' upon the Throne): "Istawa' is not unknown, and its modality is inconceivable"?

The saying of the Salaf: "Al-Istiwa' (the ascension/establishment) is not unknown, and its how is inconceivable," means affirming the attribute of Allah's Istiwa' over His Throne without distortion (ta'wil) or specifying a 'how' (takyeef). "Al-Istiwa' is not unknown" means it is known, and the Salaf explained it as highness, elevation, and ascending, which refutes the methodology of the Mufawwidah (those who consign the meaning). "Its how is inconceivable" means consigning the 'how' to Allah alone, because knowledge of the 'how' of an attribute is contingent upon knowledge of the 'how' of the Essence, and "there is nothing like unto Him." So, the principle of Ahl as-Sunnah is to affirm the names and attributes that have been mentioned without distortion, without specifying a 'how,' and without resemblance, while affirming the meaning and consigning the 'how.'