alone, or to creation alone.

The first is exemplified by what Allah said to His Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“And say, ‘My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit, and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.’”

For supporting authority combines proof and standing with Allah. It consists of His words concerning religion, decree, and creation—with Allah, through His words governing creation. The miracles of the prophets, peace be upon them, combine both aspects: they are proof from Allah of prophethood, and they belong to His decree. The greatest example is the Quran brought by Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. It is Allah’s law and His words concerning religion, and it is Muhammad’s proof of his prophethood, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Its very coming transcends the ordinary course of events. Thus it is the call itself, the proof, and the miracle.

The second category includes someone who knows the reports and commands brought by the Messenger, acts upon them, and enjoins them upon people; who also knows when rain will fall, prices will change, a sick person will recover, an absent person will arrive, and an encounter with the enemy will occur; and who has an influence upon human beings or other things, bringing about health, illness, destruction, birth, appointment to office, or removal from office. Such influence falls broadly into attracting a benefit, such as wealth or leadership; averting harm, such as an enemy or illness; or doing neither, such as riding a lion without any benefit, or extinguishing a fire, and the like.

As for the third category, it concerns someone who combines both, by being granted disclosure of the unseen