something self-subsisting—his statement would be less erroneous than that of someone who says that He is within the world as something dependent on another for its subsistence is with something self-subsisting. No rational person would say this; thus, if the former is invalid, the latter is invalid as well.

Imam Ahmad also refuted this view, saying:

“An explanation of what Allah, exalted is He, mentions in the Quran in His words: ‘And He is with you’ [al-Hadīd: 4].

[Further remarks by Imam Ahmad on Allah’s being with His creation]

This takes several forms:

Allah’s words to Moses: ‘Indeed, I am with you both’ [Tā Hā: 46], meaning: in defending you both.

And He says: ‘The second of two, when they were in the cave, as he said to his companion, “Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us”’ [al-Tawbah: 40], meaning: in defending us.

And He says: ‘How many a small company has overcome a large company by Allah’s permission! And Allah is with the steadfast’ [al-Baqarah: 249], meaning: in granting them victory over their enemy.

And He says: ‘So do not weaken and call for peace while you have the upper hand; Allah is with you’ [Muhammad: 35], meaning: in granting you victory over your enemy.