equate Him at times with what is nonexistent and at other times with deficient things. At times they describe Him by negative attributes that apply only to what is nonexistent, thereby equating Him with nonexistent things. We have already explained that Allah, glorified is He, is not described by any negative attribute unless it entails an affirmative meaning. A negative attribute that entails nothing affirmative can describe only what is nonexistent.
We have also explained that any attribute applicable to what is wholly nonexistent is inapplicable to Allah Most High, because such an attribute conveys no praise whatsoever: what is wholly nonexistent cannot be praised in any way. Allah, glorified and exalted is He, is not described by anything that conveys no praise. Rather, His are the most beautiful names and the highest attributes. This also follows from what we mentioned earlier.
As for their likening Him to deficient and flawed created things and equating Him with them, this is exemplified by their claim that He does not speak. Even if they outwardly attribute speech to Him in agreement with the believers, what they mean is that He created speech in something other than Himself.