“and they do not encompass anything of His knowledge” (al-Baqarah 2:255); and, “Indeed, Allah is the Ever-Provider, the Possessor of strength” (adh-Dhāriyāt 51:58).

At other times the same term is qualified by its linkage to the creature, as in His words:

“Allah bears witness that there is no deity except Him, and so do the angels and those endowed with knowledge” (Āl ʿImrān 3:18).

Still other instances leave the word entirely unqualified.

When the expression is linked to the Creator, it conveys nothing that belongs specifically to created beings. Thus, if one says “the knowledge of Allah, His power, His ascending, His coming, His hand,” and the like, this attachment necessitates qualities unique to the Lord, the Creator, and bars the inclusion of anything peculiar to the creature.

Conversely, when He says,

“Then, when you and those with you have settled upon the ship” (al-Muʾminūn 23:28),

the attachment here obliges what pertains to the servant and prevents the entry of what is exclusive to the Lord—majestic and exalted.

If the word is stripped of all qualifiers and stated in a general, unrestricted fashion, it covers both cases, just as do other terms applied to both Creator and creature.

People have advanced various views regarding this matter.