existing beings, whereas particular existence is creation. It is well known that there is no absolute existence in external reality apart from particular existing beings. He thus sought to distinguish between the Real and creation, but made no real distinction; rather, he fell into confusion just as his teacher had.

After this came others, both among his followers and outside their ranks, such as Ibn Sabʿīn and their servant al-Tilimsānī. They recognized the untenability of the distinction between Lord and servant and explicitly declared that He is identical with existing beings, and that there is nothing other than Him or apart from Him in any