The sound course of conduct is the straight middle path between the two extremes; the religion of God, exalted is He, stands between those who take it to excess and those who fall short.

The basic rule in this regard is that discussion of the attributes is subordinate to discussion of the Divine Essence; it must follow the same pattern and principles. Since it is established that affirming the Creator—glorified be He—amounts only to affirming His existence, not assigning Him a particular modality, then the same holds true for the affirmation of