the existence of infinitely many existent spatial loci is impossible, this division is invalid, but the invalidity of another does not follow. Likewise, the invalidity of any one alternative does not entail the invalidity of another.

For some of these deniers affirm eternal spatial loci, whether eternal in themselves or through something else. Thus, one group among them holds that there are five eternal entities: the Necessary Existent in Himself; the spatial locus, which is the void; time; matter; and the soul. Others among them affirm infinite dimensions, even if they affirm nothing beyond that.

Even if these and similar views are said to be false, those who invoke them in support of contrary positions are themselves the ones who oppose the texts of the Quran and Sunnah. They claim to possess demonstrative rational arguments that contradict those texts. Thus, when they are addressed on the basis of their own principles, and it is shown that rational arguments do not contradict the divine texts under any of these positions, this serves to complete Allah’s support for His Messenger and to make His light manifest.

[Seventh ground]

It may be said: The premises of this argument are not demonstrative. For, on the assumption that spatial loci are identical, all that follows is the need for a determining factor, and this is not impossible. On the second assumption, what follows is the existence of different spatial loci; it does not follow that they are infinite.

It may then be said: If these spatial loci are assumed to depend upon Him, to be contingent in themselves, and to exist necessarily through Him, then one may say of them what is said by those who allow that something inseparable from His essence may exist alongside Him, as is known from the positions of the various groups.

The alternatives may be stated as follows: If it is impossible for something inseparable from His essence to exist alongside Him, the first alternative necessarily holds; otherwise, the second is possible.