and wisdom is perfection, whereas their existence otherwise is a deficiency. Their absence when wisdom requires their absence is perfection, and their existence when wisdom requires their existence is perfection. Since the existence of one and the same thing may sometimes be a perfection and sometimes a deficiency, and likewise its absence, this unqualified dichotomy is invalid.

Similarly, something may be a mercy to creation when they need it, as with rain, yet a punishment when it harms them. Sending it down to meet their need is therefore mercy and beneficence, and the One who is beneficent and merciful is characterized by perfection. Not sending it down when it would harm them is no deficiency; rather, this too is mercy and beneficence. Thus, He is beneficent by granting it when its presence is a mercy, and by withholding it when its absence is a mercy.