his assertion that speech can come only from an inner cavity, lips, and a tongue—has Allah not said to the heavens and the earth:

“Come, willingly or unwillingly.” They said, “We come willingly.” (Fussilat 11)

Do you suppose they spoke with an inner cavity, a mouth, lips, and organs of speech?

The Most High also said:

“We subjected the mountains to glorify Us along with David.” (Al-Anbiyā’ 79)

Do you suppose they glorified Him with an inner cavity, a mouth, lips, and a tongue?

And when the disbelievers’ limbs testify against them, they will ask:

“Why did you testify against us?” They will say, “Allah, who makes all things speak, made us speak.” (Fussilat 21)

Do you suppose they spoke with an inner cavity, a mouth, and lips? Rather, Allah made them speak however He willed.”

Further on, he said: “When the arguments left him no escape, he said: ‘Allah spoke to Moses, but His speech is other than Him.’ We asked: ‘And is what is other than Him created?’ ‘Yes,’ he replied. We said: ‘This is the same as your original assertion, except that you are trying to deflect the disgrace from yourselves.’ And the report of