Imam Ahmad has thus explained what is known through sound reason and self-evident natural disposition: He must have created creation either within Himself or outside Himself. That these two alternatives exhaust the possibilities is self-evident and firmly rooted in natural disposition. The notion that He created it neither within nor outside Himself is known to be false; its impossibility is firmly rooted in natural disposition, and it does not occur to anyone whose natural disposition remains sound and healthy.

Imam Ahmad also explained the impossibility of what some Jahmīs may say: that He is within His creation, neither in contact with it nor separate from it—just as some of them say that He is neither within creation nor outside it.

He said:

“An explanation of Allah’s words in the Quran:

‘And He is with you.’ [al-Hadīd: 4]

This has several meanings. Allah Most High said to Moses:

‘Indeed, I am with you both.’ [Tā Hā: 46]

That is, in warding off harm from you both.

He also said:

‘As one of two, when they were in the cave, he said to his companion, “Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us.”’ [al-Tawbah: 40]

That is, in warding off harm from us.

He also said:

‘How many a small company has overcome a large company by Allah’s permission! And Allah is with the steadfast (249).’ [al-Baqarah: 249]

That is, in granting them victory over their enemy.

He also said:

‘So do not weaken and call for peace while you have the upper hand, and Allah is with you.’ [Muhammad: 35]

That is, in granting you victory over your enemy.

He also said:

‘They hide from people, but they do not hide from