Thus, if they are answered under both suppositions and told, “If infinite succession is possible, both this argument and the other are invalid; if it is not possible, both are likewise invalid,” then this is a decisive answer.

However, the term “infinite succession” is ambiguous and liable to confusion, as is the term “circular dependence.” Circular dependence may mean circular dependence involving priority, which is impossible according to clear reason and the consensus of rational people. It may also mean simultaneous, concomitant circular dependence, which is possible according to clear reason and the consensus of rational people. Whoever declares circular dependence impossible without qualification means the former, or else is mistaken in speaking without qualification.

“Infinite succession” may mean an infinite succession of causal agents: an originated thing has an agent, and that agent has an agent. This is invalid according to clear reason and the consensus of rational people. This is the infinite succession from which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed people to seek refuge in Allah. He instructed them to stop pursuing it and to say: “I believe in Allah and His messengers.”

As recorded in the two Sahīh collections:

“Abū Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, ‘Satan comes to one of you and asks, “Who created such and such?” until he asks him, “Who created your Lord?” When it reaches that point, let him seek refuge in Allah and stop.’”

In another version:

“People will continue asking one another questions until they say: ‘Here is Allah, who created creation; who created Allah?’ Whoever experiences anything of this kind should say: