He then argued that Allah cannot be described as laughing, on the grounds that laughter necessarily entails wonder, and wonder necessarily entails ignorance of the cause. Immediately afterward, however, he mentioned His being described as rejoicing and interpreted this as being pleased.

He said that the following words of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, fall into the same category: “Your Lord marvels at a young man who has no inclination toward vain desires.” And in another hadith: “Your Lord marvels at three”—and he mentioned them.

He said that the verse has also been recited:

“Rather, I marvel, while they mock” (12) [al-Sāffāt 12]