, power or life. He alone is without beginning, and nothing else is without beginning. There is no god besides Him, no partner in His dominion, no minister in His sovereignty, and no helper in bringing forth what He brought forth or creating what He created. He did not create creation according to a pre-existing pattern. Creating one thing is neither easier nor harder for Him than creating another. It is impossible for Him to derive benefit, and no harm can befall Him. He experiences neither joy nor pleasure, nor does hurt or pain reach Him. He has no limit at which He ends. He cannot cease to exist, nor can incapacity or deficiency affect Him. Exalted is He above touching women or taking a consort or sons.

Abū al-Hasan said: “This, then, is a summary of their doctrine concerning divine oneness. The Kharijites and groups among the Shia have shared this general position with them, although they contradict and abandon the very position they outwardly profess.”

He then gave a lengthy account of their disagreements concerning the divine attributes, which this is not the place to recount.