the Creator with every attribute ascribed to created beings, for unity, union, and universal indwelling entail this.

The term “speech” is like “mercy,” “command,” “power,” and other terms denoting attributes that grammarians call verbal nouns. In Arabic, a verbal noun is often used to refer to the object of the action, as when people say, “a dirham of the ruler’s minting.” Another example is Allah’s saying:

“This is Allah’s creation”—that is, what He has created.

“Command” may denote the action itself expressed by the verbal noun, as in His sayings:

“Did you then disobey my command?”

“So let those who oppose His command beware.”

“That is Allah’s command, which He has sent down to you.”

It may also denote what is commanded, as in Allah’s sayings:

“Allah’s command is a decree determined.”

“Allah’s command has come, so do not seek to hasten it.”

The first meaning refers to Allah’s speech and His attributes; the second refers to what it produces, brings about, and entails.

Likewise, “mercy” may denote Allah’s attribute indicated by His names, the Most Merciful and the Especially Merciful, as in Allah’s saying:

“Our Lord, You encompass all things in mercy and knowledge.”

It may also denote that through which He shows mercy to His servants from among