magnitude, which you have identified with the essence. At most, they would be like species that share a genus but are distinguished by their specific differences.

Moreover, you and all others who affirm the divine attributes—indeed, all people—affirm distinct meanings concerning Allah. Indeed, this is necessary concerning every existent. Examples include affirming that He exists in His own right, is an originator in His own right and an originator of others, and that He is knowing, powerful, and living. These are distinct realities. Whether they entail composition is therefore like the question of whether the difference between the two sides entails composition, as explained above.

As for the argument that dimensions are equal and alike, if this argument is sound, it alone suffices to rule out His being such, whether He is said to be finite or infinite. An argument that independently establishes the desired conclusion should not be used to establish some of the premises of another argument for that same conclusion, for this merely prolongs the discussion and departs from the direct path.

The fifth point: He raised an objection on behalf of his opponent, saying: “If it is said: ‘Do you not say that He, exalted is He, is infinite in His essence? Then everything you have held us bound to accept must equally apply to you.’”

He answered: “We reply: A thing said to be infinite may be understood in