of an originated thing’s dependence on an agent is acquired through inference. This is not so; rather, it is self-evident to most rational people, although some speculative theologians among the Muʿtazilah and those who agree with them regard it as inferential.

Something may be self-evident while also admitting of inferential proofs. There is therefore no contradiction between its being self-evident and firmly rooted in human nature and its being susceptible to proof.

[Al-Bāqillānī on the Meaning of Creation]

Al-Qādī Abū Bakr said:

“As for interpreting Abū al-Hasan’s words as meaning that creation is origination and bringing into being, this is valid when addressing most Dahrīs. For many Dahrīs and philosophers claim that the world originated without an originator and has taken shape and form without anyone to give it form or govern it, while openly acknowledging that it originated and professing this belief. Once the group we have mentioned acknowledges that bodies originated and have form and composition, while denying the Maker who gave them form, it is valid to discuss with them their dependence upon an originator who originated them and gave them form, proceeding from the premise they have already conceded.”

He said:

“Some Muslims have claimed that half, or nearly half, of all events occur without any originator or agent whatsoever—namely, Thumāma ibn