the great, nor is an effect more dependent upon Him than its cause. Rather, all are dependent upon Him, and He is the Lord and Sovereign of all. Nothing resembles Him in any aspect of His governance, as He, glorified be He, says:

“Or have they taken protectors besides Him? Allah alone is the Protector; He gives life to the dead, and He has power over all things. (9)
Whatever you differ about, its judgment rests with Allah. Such is Allah, my Lord; in Him I put my trust, and to Him I turn. (10)
The Originator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you spouses from among yourselves, and pairs among livestock; by this means He multiplies you. There is nothing like Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.” (11)
[al-Shūrā 9-11]

This is clarified by the fact that whoever deputizes for another in any matter assists him in what the latter cannot accomplish, whether through lack of knowledge or lack of ability. The deputy is therefore a partner to the one he deputizes for—and, in his words, this is like a ruler who appoints deputies to represent him in the various provinces. They all do what he cannot accomplish alone. They share his role and are his equals; he and they cooperate in the overall administration, and each benefits from the assistance of the others. Allah Most High is not like this; rather, He is the Self-Sufficient