is the representation conceived by the mind; this is its mental existence, as conceived by minds. This is the decisive resolution of this issue. Whoever reflects on these questions and others like them will recognize that most disagreements among rational people arise from using the same terms for different meanings.

“And he to whom Allah has not granted light—for him there is no light.”

The foundations and details of these questions have been discussed at length elsewhere. People have disputed them so extensively that it has been said: “The question of speech” has bewildered the minds of mankind.

However, the question posed by these two men does not lend itself to extensive elaboration, for they asked according to what they had heard, believed, and conceived. Once the questioner understands the basis of his question, its implications, and the ambiguous expressions and potentially confusing meanings it contains, he will recognize that some people have affirmed or denied such terms without qualification, inevitably prompting others to counter them with equally unqualified statements.

One of the general principles to understand is that expressions fall into “two types.” One type consists of expressions found in the Quran and the Sunnah. Every believer must acknowledge what these entail, affirming what Allah and His Messenger have affirmed and denying what Allah and His Messenger have denied. The wording Allah uses in affirmation or negation is true, for Allah speaks the truth and guides to the way. And the expressions