various directions and occupying particular regions of space. We have explained that magnitude cannot be an attribute but must be an entity in its own right. We have also explained that, if this is so, all things occupying space must be alike. It would therefore be impossible to maintain that one side of that thing differs from the other in reality and essential nature.

As for the third alternative—namely, that He is finite on all sides—this too is invalid for two reasons. First, anything finite on all sides must, by its very nature, admit of increase and decrease, and whatever is so must have originated in time, as we have explained.

Second, if He were finite on all sides, empty regions of space and vacant directions could then be posited above Him. He Most High would therefore not be above all things; rather, those regions of space would be higher than Allah. Moreover, He Most High is able to create a body in an empty region of space. Thus, if an empty region of space were posited, He would be able to create a body in it, and on