The philosophers are the most vehement in denying this testimony and rejecting its implications from beginning to end.
The monist sects are, in every respect, the furthest of Allah’s creation from it.
The Jahmiyyah deny its true meaning in several respects.
First, God is the One whom hearts worship with love, longing, and penitent devotion. According to them, however, Allah neither loves nor is loved.
Another is that this testimony is His speech and His declaration of what He bears witness to. According to them, however, He neither speaks nor utters anything, neither bears witness nor conveys anything.
Another is that it entails His being distinct from His creation in His essence and attributes. According to their Pharaoh-like faction, however, He is neither distinct from creation nor situated alongside it; above the Throne there is no God to be worshipped, nor any Lord to whom prayer and prostration are offered. According to those among them who affirm divine indwelling, He dwells in His essence in every place—even places one is ashamed to mention. The latter are the Jahmiyyah, while the former are their negationist faction.
Another is that His upholding justice pertains to His actions and words. According to them, however, no action subsists in Him, and what lies within His power constitutes neither injustice nor justice. Rather, injustice, in their view, is that which is inherently impossible, whereas justice is whatever is possible. Thus, according to their position, He—glorified is He—has declared Himself free of what is inherently impossible and therefore falls outside the scope of power.
Another is that might means strength and power. According to them, however, no attribute subsists in Him.
Another is that wisdom is the end for which He acts: the purpose sought through the action, whose existence is preferable to its nonexistence. According to them, this is impossible with respect to Him—glorified and exalted is He. Thus, He does not act for a wise purpose, and neither His actions nor His commands have any end in view. There is nothing but sheer will, devoid of wisdom or purpose.
Another is that God is the One who possesses the Most Beautiful Names and the loftiest attributes. He is