What is the ruling on delving into the Divine Essence, and what are its proofs?

Delving into and contemplating the essence of Allah is one of the deceptions that Satan beautifies. Allah, the Exalted, cannot be encompassed by knowledge, and there is nothing like unto Him. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, warned against this, as narrated by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet said: "You will keep asking until you say: 'This is Allah, He created us, then who created Allah?'"

Al-Tahawi said: "And we do not delve into Allah, nor do we dispute concerning the religion of Allah." Abu Hanifa said: "It is not befitting for anyone to speak concerning the essence of Allah in any way, but rather to describe Him with what He has described Himself."

Abu Ubaid al-Qasim ibn Salam said concerning the hadiths of the divine attributes: "We believe in them and remain silent." Imam Malik said: "The 'istiwa' (Allah's ascending) is known, its 'kayf' (manner) is unknown, and asking about it is an innovation."

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded contemplation of Allah's bounties and His creation, and forbade contemplating Allah Himself.