; and You are the Inmost, and there is nothing nearer than You.”

Likewise, if the originated is defined as that which came to exist after not existing, or as that which is preceded by its own non-existence, and it is said to be preceded by a posited time, then the lower is defined as that above which something else can be. It is also said to be distinguished by knowledge of what is possible through positing an existent within it.

If it is said that the First, the Eternal, is the One who has always existed and whom nothing preceded, then the Manifest is explained as the High, the Most High—the One above whom there is nothing. If it is said that the Creator was not preceded by any non-existence by which time could be reckoned, it is replied that there is no non-existence above Him by which space could be reckoned. Just as nothing can be before Him, nothing can be above Him. Rather, He is as the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said in the authentic hadith:

“You are the First, and there is nothing before You; You are the Last, and there is nothing after You; You are the Manifest, and there is nothing above You; and You are the Inmost, and there is nothing nearer than You.”