As for describing any of Allah’s attributes as a “son” or a “child,” this is unknown from any of the prophets or from any nation of any language—save the innovators among the Christians.
Only two possible meanings remain for tawallud (begetting or generation):
- A part separates from Him; or
- Something comes into existence from Him—either by His will or without His will and power—much as a ray issues from fire or from the sun.
Either scenario necessarily relies on two originating sources, and the generated entity must have come into existence, not one of His inherent attributes. Hence, nothing can be begotten from Him unless there is alongside Him another source from which the two together bring it forth.
Moreover, begetting that occurs without His power and will is considered impossible by the adherents of all revealed religions—Muslims, Jews, Christians—and by the rest of humankind, except for a faction among the philosophers who claim that He is a necessary cause in His very essence, entailing whatever proceeds from Him. Their view accords with this notion of generation.
The Christians pronounce such philosophers unbelievers, yet they have themselves resembled them in doctrine, just as the Exalted says:
‘The Jews say, “Ezra is the son of Allah,” and the Christians say, “The Messiah is the son of Allah.” Such are the words of their mouths; they imitate the assertions of those who disbelieved before. May Allah destroy them—how they are led astray!’ ⦗Tawbah 9:30⦘.
This statement was voiced by a faction of the Jews and is specifically attributed to a man named Finḥās ibn ʿĀzūrā and his followers.