that produce effects; for all rational people agree that such a regress is impossible. Rather, it is an infinite succession of effects and acts—one thing occurring after another—and this is precisely the point in dispute.

The early generations therefore say: He has always spoken whenever He wills. Allah Most High says:

“Say, ‘If the sea were ink for the words of my Lord, the sea would be exhausted before the words of my Lord were exhausted, even if We brought another like it as a supplement.’”

Thus, Allah’s words have no end. Such an infinite succession is possible, just as an infinite succession into the future is possible: the bliss of Paradise is everlasting and inexhaustible, with each thing followed by another, without end.