Allah’s attributes of action that are established by the Quran and Sunnah; it is both an essential attribute and an attribute of action. Among the names of Allah Most High are the Creator and the Supreme Creator.

Allah Most High says, “Surely, His alone are the creation and the command.” Al-Araf (54)

He also says, “Indeed, your Lord is the Supreme Creator, the All-Knowing.” Al-Hijr (86)

He also says, “We have certainly created man, and We know what his soul whispers to him.” Surah Qaf (16)

He also says, “He is Allah, the Creator, the Originator, the Fashioner. His are the Most Beautiful Names.” Al-Hashr (24)

The evidence from the Sunnah to this effect is abundant. Yet what are we to do when we have been afflicted with those who deny what is necessarily known of the religion? We therefore say: Know the truth, and you will know its people.

This is a brief overview through which I wished to call people to learn the creed and give it due attention, for knowledge comes only through learning. Many people pay no attention to studying the creed and imagine that they know it, though they have never once asked about it or read a single book on the subject. Consequently, polytheism and religious innovation are left to wreak havoc in the Muslim community.

Let no one suppose that I have strayed from the subject of this book. I have not departed from its purpose. Though I have dwelt on this matter somewhat, I have done so only to the necessary extent. This issue is no less important than treating someone afflicted by envy; rather, it is greater in importance and more far-reaching in its effects. It is, however, among the subtleties of knowledge concerning which people must not be put to the test—contrary to the Asharis, who declare anyone who does not hold their position on it to be an unbeliever.

The reader of this book should know that it is obligatory to warn against religious innovations and their proponents, as sincere counsel to them and to the general public, and out of compassion for those deceived by them. We are therefore justified in mentioning all of this; indeed, we have not yet given the matter its full due. Ibn al-Qayyim discussed it in more than one of his books. Standalone works have also been devoted to it, such as Conjunction and Causal Efficacy by Mukhtār Taybāwī and The Doctrine of Custom among the Asharis.

Ibn al-Qayyim—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “If we were to trace everything in the Quran and Sunnah that affirms causes, it would exceed