If rational proof entails that there must be a beginningless Being in whom acts occur one after another, this contradicts only the position of those innovators among the adherents of revealed religions who introduced the speculative theology condemned by the early Muslims and the imams. They said that the Lord had always been devoid of action and speech. Thus, what rational thinkers among the various nations—philosophers and others—have established through clear reason supports and vindicates what the Messenger—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—brought, against those who introduced into his religion innovations contrary to his teachings.

What is known through revelation, together with clear reason, also refutes the claim of the eternalist philosophers that anything in the world is beginningless alongside Allah. Indeed, the assertion that “the world has no beginning” is one whose falsity the overwhelming majority of rational thinkers agree upon. It is not rejected by Muslims alone, but by all adherents of revealed religions and most others, including the Magians and the various kinds of polytheists: the polytheists of Arabia, India, and other nations. The overwhelming majority of the leading philosophers acknowledge that this world originated and came into existence after not existing. Indeed, most of them acknowledge that Allah is the Creator of everything. All the Arab polytheists acknowledged that Allah is the Creator of everything, that this entire world is created, and that Allah is its Creator and Lord. These matters are discussed at length in their proper place.

Our purpose here is to discuss what is needed to understand the “hadith of the Descent” and similar reports, namely, “the two principles mentioned earlier.” Completing the discussion of the second principle requires considering the term “motion”: is Allah to be described by it, or must it be denied of Him? There is disagreement on this among Muslims and other adherents of revealed religions