summarizing the final conclusions and ultimate ends.” He said:

“Since the book took this form, I entitled it Nihāyat al-‘Uqūl fī Dirāyat al-Usūl (The Ultimate Reach of Intellects in Understanding the Fundamentals), so that its title would accord with its contents and its wording correspond to its meaning. I have devoted it solely to seeking the noble Face of Allah Most High, His pleasure, the great triumph of attaining His reward, and escape from His painful punishment. I have asked Allah Most High to make it greatly beneficial to me and to the Muslims in both worlds, and to make it a means of happiness in both abodes. Indeed, He is near and answers supplications.”

This, then, is his description of his discussion in that book, which he composed after the present one. In it, he refuted what he stated in the present book concerning the designation of those who liken Allah to creation and declaring them unbelievers. He also mentioned the Muslims’ agreement on affirming likeness in certain respects. If they agree on this, how can someone who affirms it be the one censured for likening Allah to creation in the words of