—indeed, we are those who stand arrayed in ranks, and indeed, we are those who glorify.”

Thus Allah informs us that the angels line up in orderly rows, extolling His praise, that they are “rank upon rank, driving away with stern rebuke.” This stands in direct opposition to their claim, for the so-called Ten Intellects, in their scheme, cannot array themselves in ranks: each is said to be higher than the other in degree and relation, and, by their own admission, lining up side by side is impossible for them. Likewise, the psychic accidents that subsist in the soul cannot be described with the qualities the Exalted has ascribed to the angels—standing in ranks, driving away, reciting, and the like.

The same point is underscored in His words:

“We do not descend except by the command of your Lord. To Him belongs what is before us, what is behind us, and whatever lies between; and your Lord is never forgetful.” (Q 19:64)

It is firmly established that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said to Gabriel, “What prevents you from visiting us more often than you do?” Thereupon Allah revealed this verse, making it clear that Gabriel descends to earth and does so only by Allah’s command. Yet according to their doctrine an angel’s descent to earth is impossible, and it is equally impossible, in their view, that Allah would command Gabriel to descend.

He, exalted be He, also says:

“They say, ‘The Most Merciful has taken a son.’ Far exalted is He! Rather, [the angels] are honored servants who do not precede Him in speech and act only by His command; He knows what lies before them and what is behind them, and they do not intercede except for those….” (Q 21:26–28)