prey, whereas the Creator has no need to acquire anything. His attribute therefore cannot properly be called a bodily organ, since the reason warranting that designation is absent. As for the designation “bodily members,” it applies to created animals on account of the particular attributes they possess beyond what is conveyed by naming their essence. A bodily member is, by definition, a part. Hence the expression ‘addaytuhu, meaning “I divided it into parts and apportioned it.” This is also the sense of His saying, Most High:

“Who have divided the Quran into portions (91)” [al-Hijr: 91].

That is, they divided it, believing in some of it and disbelieving in some. Since the term for a bodily member derives from this meaning, and the Creator, Most High, does not consist of parts that can be assembled, separated, or divided, He cannot possess anything properly called a bodily member.

Once this is ruled out, what remains is that His essence, exalted is He, resembles no other essence and is worthy of the attributes befitting it in every respect. Thus, whenever the Quran and the authentic Sunnah describe Him with an attribute, that designation must be accepted, and the attribute must be affirmed for Him as befits Him. It must not be diverted from its true meaning, since His essence, exalted is He, admits of attributes. This is clear and evident to anyone who reflects upon it.”

Such are his words and those of other authors who write in this manner.

He also said later: