Or the effect they jointly produce is something neither can produce alone unless it acquires a power more complete than the power it possessed while acting jointly. Thus, if the effect is a single whole whose parts are so intermingled that one agent cannot independently produce one part and another agent another part, joint action through distinct contributions is impossible—as occurs when human beings produce effects, one producing one part and another producing another. Joint action through intermingled contributions is likewise impossible unless one of the two agents is incapable, deficient in power, and lacks complete power over anything. This is what we meant when we said that joint action necessarily entails a deficiency in power.
Section
It may then be said:
This also entails that neither is necessary in itself, self-sufficient, and powerful. Rather, each depends upon another in its essence and attributes, just as it depends upon another in the effects it produces. (*)
For if each depends upon the other in producing its effects and is incapable of producing them alone—as joint action necessarily entails, as explained above—then either it can acquire the power to act independently, so that this is possible for it, or it cannot. The latter is impossible, because if it is impossible for something to be possible and within the power of one agent
(*) Shaykh Nāsir ibn Hamad al-Fahd stated (p. 169):
Several points should be noted here:
First: This section also appears at 2/32–38.
Second: The manuscript used to print this section here appears to differ from the manuscript of this section in volume two, for the following reasons:
1. Here, the section forms part of a collection of sections, whereas in volume two it stands alone.
2. There are differences between the two versions—as will be shown, Allah willing—which indicate that the manuscripts differ.
3. The section in volume two is more complete than the section printed here.
Third: Comparing the two versions reveals several differences. Among the most important are:
1. 20/178: “is not necessary in itself, self-sufficient and powerful”; 2/32: “is not necessary in itself, qayyūm (ever-subsisting).” The latter reading appears more likely.
2. 20/179: “If it can be an effect within the power of two agents—it is possible—it can also be within the power of one”; 2/32: “and it is possible.” The latter reading appears more likely.
3. 20/179: “would be more perfect for them in being multiple and dispersed”; 2/33: “than being.” The latter reading appears more likely.
4. 20/180: “and to have another attribute; and if it is possible”; 2/34: “another attribute, if it is possible.” The latter reading appears more likely.
5. 20/181: “if its essence were sufficient”; 2/34: “perfect.” The latter reading appears more likely.
6. 20/182: “This is common, for no created being is without a partner and a counterpart”; 2/35: “It is the counterpart, for no created being is without a partner and a counterpart.” The latter reading appears more likely.
Fourth: The remainder of this section appears at 2/37–38.