so if we were to ascribe to Him attributes or actions subsisting in Him, it would be possible for actions and attributes to subsist in the Eternal One. In that case, this would no longer constitute evidence that bodies came into being, and the proof for affirming the attributes would be invalidated.”

They are answered as follows:

The reply has several aspects:

(First: The invalidity of this particular proof does not entail the invalidity of all proofs. There are many ways to establish the Creator’s existence, whose details cannot all be encompassed, even though their general categories can be.

Second: None of the Companions, the Successors, or the leading scholars of the Muslims used this proof. If knowing the Lord, Mighty and Majestic, and believing in Him depended upon it, this would entail that they neither knew Allah nor believed in Him. By the consensus of the Muslims, this is among the gravest forms of disbelief.

Third: The Prophets and Messengers did not command anyone to follow this path. If knowledge of Allah depended upon it—and such knowledge is obligatory—then following this path would be obligatory. If such knowledge were recommended, following this path would be recommended. Had it been obligatory or recommended, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, would have prescribed it. Had it been prescribed, the Companions would have transmitted it.