Explaining Allah's Names to common people

Q 3: Is it permissible to explain the Names and Attributes of Allah to ordinary Muslims? Should we ask them to believe in the Names and Attributes of Allah in general without Tashbih (likening Allah's Attributes to those of His Creation), Ta`til (negation of the meaning or function of Allah's Attributes), Takyif (descriptive designation of Allah's Attributes)? What is meant by the saying of `Aly (may Allah be pleased with him): "Talk to people in a manner they can understand, lest they should belie Allah and His Messenger" ?

A: The Names and Attributes of Allah should be explained and taught to people as they are clarified in the Qur'an and Sunnah. This should be done along with believing and attributing (Part No. 2; Page No. 339) their meanings to Allah as befits Him without distortion, Takyif, Tamthil, or Ta`til. Allah (Glorified be He) says: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "He is Allâh, (the) One. "Allâh-us-Samad (السيد الذي يصمد إليه في الحاجات) [Allâh the Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He neither eats nor drinks)]. "He begets not, nor was He begotten. "And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him." And: There is nothing like Him; and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.