For this reason, anyone who wishes to know Allah as He truly ought to be known must understand the essential natures of things, so as to discern the true nature of origination in all existing things. For whoever does not know a thing’s true nature does not know the true nature of its origination. To this Allah, Exalted and Holy, points when He says:

“Do they not look into the dominion of the heavens and the earth and everything that Allah has created?” [al-A‘rāf: 185]

Likewise, whoever investigates the wisdom in each existing thing—by which I mean understanding the reason for which it was created and its intended purpose—will understand the argument from providence more fully. These two arguments, then, are the two arguments presented by revelation.

That the verses in the Noble Book which draw attention to proofs leading to recognition of the Maker’s existence—glory be to Him—are confined to these two kinds of proof is clear to anyone who reflects on the verses in the Noble Book concerning this matter. [For the verses in the Noble Book concerning this matter], when examined, are found to fall into