you do not understand the same thing by an unqualified “thing” as you do by a qualified one. Nor does “thing” convey what “the indivisible one” conveys, for oneness indicates the absence of division in the thing one seeks to define and clarify.”
The judge replied: “Our discussion concerns realities, and an unqualified ‘thing’ is the indivisible one.”
His opponents said: “It may be replied that, as we have already mentioned, oneness indicates the absence of division in a thing. These are two inseparable notions, so both must be addressed.”
Abū al-Maālī then said: “Our scholars further said: ‘When asked about “the one,” we say that this expression has several meanings. It may refer to a thing that cannot admit division; it may be used to deny that it has any likenesses or counterparts; or it may mean that there is no refuge or shelter besides Him. These meanings