of doing what the other can do, acting interchangeably from one act to another, or neither of them is capable of this. If each can do in the other’s stead what the other can do, neither can perform such an act unless the other leaves it to him. If neither acts unless the other leaves it to him, then each could prevent the other from acting.

Anyone who can be prevented from acting, and who acts only when another leaves him to do so, is blameworthy and incapable. If, however, neither can do in the other’s stead what the other can do, then both must be incapable, and their powers must have come into being. One who is incapable can be neither a god nor a lord.

He then drew the attention of those who denied resurrection, despite acknowledging the first creation, to the possibility that He, exalted is He, could restore them to life. When they rejected it and asked:

“Who will give life to bones when they have crumbled away?”

He said to them:

“Say: He who brought them into being the first time will give them life, and He is, of every