The story of Mahmud Ghaznavi and the Ash'aris and Karamis

 Sultan Mahmud ibn Sabkatkin, also known as Mahmud Ghaznavi, was the third ruler in the Ghaznavid Dynasty that was started by his father, Sabkatkin. Mahmud was a religious man, who often consulted the scholars for religious advice. He was a close associate of truthful scholars like Imam Abu Bakr al-Qaffal al-Saghir, hence he abhorred innovations like the Ilm al-Kalam, and was fully Athari in his aqidah. During his reign, two groups of innovators were prominent: the Ash'airah and the Karamiyyah. Both groups were rivals of each other and were the opposite of each other; Ash'airah were philosophers who interpreted Allah using Greek philosophy, while the Karamiyyah were anthropomorphists who likened Allah to His creations. The beliefs of the latter were often confused with the Athari aqidah.

One day, the Ash'ari scholar, Ibn Fawrak, entered the palace of Mahmud Ghaznavi, with the intention of debating him. The Sultan accepted the debate. Ibn Fawrak went first, saying, “It is not allowed for you to describe Allah as being above, because saying that would mean that Allah could also be below.” The Sultan laughed, and said, “It is not me who says that Allah is above. But Allah Himself has said that He is above.” This reply left Ibn Fawrak in state of shock and he fell silent. He was dumbfounded. He could not reply to whatever the Sultan had just said! So, he left the court of the Sultan and made his journey back to Persia, which was hometown.

But on his way there, a group of Karamiyyah who were intending to assassinate the Sultan noticed him. Ibn Fawrak was cornered by these anthropomorphists and beaten to death. His gall bladder was completely smashed in, and he died from his injuries. He was buried in Nishapur. The Karamiyyah, once done, travelled to the palace of Sultan Mahmud to assassinate him. Fortunately, the guards of Sultan Mahmud saw the Karamis, and arrested them immediately. They were thrown into prison.

Source:

Mughith al-Khalq by Al-Juwayni, page 57-59 (about the aqidah of Mahmud Ghaznavi)

Siyar A'lam al-Nubala by Imam al-Dhahabi, volume 17, page 487 (about Mahmud Ghaznavi and Ibn Fawrak's debate)

Muslim Philosophy's article about Ibn Fawrak (how Ibn Fawrak died)