Then, once He has shown that something is possible, He must also make clear the Lord’s power to bring it about. Otherwise, merely knowing that it is possible does not suffice to establish that it can occur unless the Lord’s power to bring it about is also known.

He, glorified is He, explained all this in statements such as:

“Do they not see that Allah, who created the heavens and the earth, is able to create the like of them? He has appointed for them a term about which there is no doubt, yet the wrongdoers refuse anything but disbelief.”

And His statement:

“Is not He who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like of them? Yes indeed! He is the Creator, the All-Knowing.”

And His statement:

“Do they not see that Allah, who created the heavens and the earth and was not wearied by their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yes indeed! He has power over all things.”

And His statement:

“The creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of mankind.”

For it is self-evident to reason that creating the heavens and the earth is greater than creating beings like the children of Adam, and involves greater power. Thus, this easier act is all the more possible and within His power.

Likewise, He demonstrates this by referring to the first creation, in statements such as:

“He is the One who originates creation, then repeats it, and that is easier for Him.”

This is why He then says:

“To Him belongs the highest description in the heavens and the earth.”

He also says:

“If you are in doubt about the resurrection, then indeed We created you from dust”—to the end of the verse.

Likewise, He says:

“He presents an example to Us and forgets his own creation. He says, ‘Who will give life to bones when they have crumbled away?’”

“Say, ‘He who created them the first time will give them life’”—and the following verses.

For His statement, exalted is He, “Who will give life to bones when they have crumbled away?” constitutes a syllogism in which one of the two premises has been omitted because it is obvious. The other is a universal negative, accompanied by its supporting argument. This is the example presented, which He mentions in His statement: