who utters them. This is why the letters of the Quran, both spoken and written, must be revered, and why they are subject to religious rulings that distinguish them from other letters. These differences in rulings arise only from differences in their attributes and circumstances.

It thus becomes clear that we must affirm what the leading scholars, such as Ahmad and others, affirmed:

“Human speech is entirely created, both its letters and its meanings, whereas the Quran is uncreated, both its letters and its meanings.”

It is authentically reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Allah says: ‘I am al-Rahmān (the Most Merciful). I created the bond of kinship and derived its name from Mine. Whoever maintains it, I will maintain ties with him; and whoever severs it, I will cut him off.’”

Al-Rabīʿ ibn Anas reported that the Messiah said:

“How astonishing that they disbelieve in Him while enjoying His blessings and uttering His names!”

He also mentioned, concerning most of the letters of the alphabet, that they are the building blocks of Allah’s most beautiful names and His Books sent down from heaven. This is among the arguments advanced by those who say that letters are uncreated. Yet it is no proof: Allah’s names are part of His speech, and His speech is uncreated. Whatever He Himself derives from His names and utters, His utterance of it is uncreated. But when people derive a name and bring it into being, it is they who have brought that name into being. The fact that the source from which something is derived is uncreated does not mean that the derivative is likewise uncreated.

As for what is reported from the Messiah, its authenticity is not established. Even supposing it were authentic, if He has inspired His servants to utter the letters