JazakAllah khair. Is it not possible that the later hanbalis like as-Saffaarini were referring to ahlus Sunnah in a general sense (meaning non-Shia) when including asharis and maturidis? While at the same time only believing the actual saved group to be atharis only? I believe even the modern hanbalis such as Ibn Uthaymeen have similar statements on this matter.
JazakAllah khair. Is it not possible that the later hanbalis like as-Saffaarini were referring to ahlus Sunnah in a general sense (meaning non-Shia) when including asharis and maturidis? While at the same time only believing the actual saved group to be atharis only? I believe even the modern hanbalis such as Ibn Uthaymeen have similar statements on this matter.
wa iyyakum. That's a sensible possible reconciliation.