by Our command, and We inspired them to do good deeds, establish prayer, and give zakat; and they were devoted worshippers of Us.” Moses and Muhammad belong to the family of Abraham; indeed, they are its foremost members. May Allah’s blessings be upon them all.

The second argument:

To explain why affirmation and Allah’s being above the heavens must be acknowledged, we may say: It is well known that Allah Most High has perfected the religion and completed His favour; that Allah has sent down the Book as an explanation of all things; that knowing what is rightfully affirmed of Allah and what He is exalted above is among the most momentous matters of religion and its greatest foundations; and that explaining this in detail takes precedence over everything else.

How, then, could the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, have left this subject unexplained, without setting it out in detail or teaching his community what to say concerning it? How could the religion have been perfected, and they have been left upon the clear, radiant path, while they did not know how to understand their Lord: through what the deniers say, or through the statements of those who uphold affirmation?

(The third argument)

We may say: Anyone with even the slightest love of knowledge or worship must reflect upon this subject and seek the truth concerning it, striving to distinguish error from what is right. It is therefore inconceivable that the Companions and the Successors should all have disregarded this matter, neither asking about it nor longing to understand it, with their hearts not seeking the truth, even as they turned their hearts towards Him night and day and called upon Him humbly and fearfully, with hope and dread. Hearts are naturally disposed to seek knowledge of this matter and to know the truth concerning it; they yearn for it more than they yearn for many other things. And firm resolve, coupled with ability, must bring about