and we set forth for them an analogy in (1) this matter and said to them (2): “Tell us about this date-palm—does it not have a trunk (3), a crown-shaft, fibers, fronds, leaflets, and a central bud? Yet it bears a single name; it is called a date-palm on account of all its characteristics (4). In the same way, Allah—exalted be His praise, and to Him belongs the highest similitude—is, with all of His attributes, one God.

We do not say that there was ever a moment when He lacked power until He created power (5), for one who has no power is helpless.

Nor do we say that He (6) ever existed at a time when He had no knowledge until He created and thus came to know (7), for whoever lacks knowledge is ignorant (8).

Rather, we declare that Allah has never ceased to be all-powerful, all-knowing, and sovereign (9), without any question of “when” or “how” attaching to these attributes.

Allah also described a certain disbeliever, al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah al-Makhzumi, saying:

“Leave Me with the one whom I created alone.” (10)

Yet this man (11) whom Allah called “alone” possessed two eyes (12), two ears, a tongue, two lips, two hands, two feet, and many other limbs. Nevertheless, Allah referred to him as “alone” while taking all of those features into account. Likewise—and to Allah belongs the highest similitude—He, together with all of His attributes, is one God (13).