and the full discussion is as we explained earlier.

Third: It may be asked: What do you mean by saying, “We cannot conceive of an agent performing an act except to secure a benefit or ward off harm, yet we have acknowledged that He, exalted is He, created the world for none of these reasons”?

Do you mean that He, glorified is He, is free from the attributes of created beings, who are deficient and dependent on others to secure benefits and ward off harm? For we find that a living being, whether human or otherwise, seeks from others what benefits and suits it, and wards off the harm it fears, whether from itself or from others. If this is what you mean, it is true. He, glorified and exalted is He, has no need of any of creation and does not depend on them. Rather, He is the One, the Self-Sufficient Master, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all. He fears no harm whatsoever, whether from Himself or from others. Indeed, His servants are incapable of causing Him harm or bringing Him benefit. He, exalted is He, said in the authentic hadith narrated by His Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace):

“O My servants, you will never