two ways. The first is that it is not situated in any direction or spatial location; in that case, it cannot have an extremity, an end, or a limit. The second is that it is situated in a direction and spatial location, yet its essence has no endpoint or limit. Thus, when we say that Allah’s essence has no end, we mean the first interpretation.”

The reply is: The commonly understood meaning of saying that something is infinite, or has no limit, terminus, or end, is that it exists, or is supposed to exist, and that this actual or supposed existent has no limit, end, or endpoint. Rather, no limit or endpoint can be posited for it without its existing beyond that point. This is what is meant when speaking of the Creator’s existence and abiding throughout the eternal past, and His existence and abiding throughout the eternal future—indeed, of the existence of the people of Paradise in Paradise throughout the eternal past. For this reaches no limit without there being something beyond it, just as no limit or moment can be posited for the Creator’s existence without His existing before it. Likewise, if