they are eternal in the Book of Allah but brought into being in human speech?’ The reply is: ‘Any speech that corresponds to the Book of Allah in its wording, arrangement, and letters is part of the Book of Allah, even if the speaker intends thereby to address a human being.’

“If it is objected, ‘Then, if someone uses these names to address a human being while praying, his prayer must not be invalidated,’ the reply is: ‘That is indeed our position. Something similar has been reported from Ali and others. A man from the Khawārij called out to him:

“‘“If you associate others with Allah, your deeds will surely come to nothing, and you will certainly be among the losers.”

“‘He related that Ali answered him while praying:

“‘“So be patient. Indeed, Allah’s promise is true. And do not let those who lack certainty shake your resolve.”

“‘It is also reported that when some of Ibn Masūd’s companions asked permission to enter his presence, he said:

“‘“Enter Egypt, Allah willing, in safety.”’

“He said: ‘If it is objected, “When someone says, ‘O John, hold firmly to the Scripture,’ intending to address a boy named John, is the utterance not created, whereas if he intends it as Quran, it is eternal?” the reply is: “It is eternal in both cases, because ‘eternal’ denotes what has always existed, whereas ‘brought into being’ denotes what came to exist after not existing. Intention does not make what was brought into being eternal, nor does it make what is eternal something brought into being.”’

“He said: ‘Anyone who says this has gone to extremes in ignorance and error.’