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As for the statement, “Perfection and deficiency are relative matters,” we have explained that the perfection befitting the Lord is that which involves no deficiency whatsoever, and that it is the perfection possible for an existent being. Such perfection can never be absent from Allah. Relative perfection, however, entails deficiency: it is perfection in one respect but not another. Eating, for example, is a perfection for someone who is hungry, but a deficiency for someone who is full, because it is not pure perfection; rather, it is accompanied by deficiency.

Self-exaltation, self-magnification, self-praise, commanding people to worship Him, call upon Him, and turn to Him with longing, and other such things exclusive to lordship are praiseworthy perfections in the Lord, blessed and exalted is He, but blameworthy deficiencies in a created being. The same applies to statements concerning what is exclusive to lordship, such as His saying:

“Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me.”

And His saying, exalted is He:

“Call upon Me; I will respond to you.”

And His saying:

“Whether you reveal what is within yourselves or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it.”

And His saying:

“Or do those who commit evil deeds think they can escape Us?”

And His saying:

“Indeed, you have no authority over My servants.”

And His saying:

“Indeed, We will surely support Our messengers and those who believe, both in the life of this world and on the Day when the witnesses stand forth.”

And His saying:

“Whoever fears Allah, He will make a way out for him”

“and provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever puts his trust