concerning Our signs are not hidden from Us. Is one who is cast into the Fire better, or one who comes secure on the Day of Resurrection? Do whatever you will”—to the end of the verse.

Their way thus entails affirming Allah’s names and attributes while denying any likeness to created beings: affirming His attributes without likening Him to creation, and declaring Him free of imperfections without denying His attributes. As Allah Most High says:

“There is nothing like Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”

His words, “There is nothing like Him,” refute likening Him to creation or equating Him with it; and His words, “He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing,” refute deviation and the denial of His attributes.

Allah, glorified be He, sent His messengers (with detailed affirmation and negation in general terms). They affirmed Allah’s attributes in detail and denied of Him what is unbefitting, such as resemblance or equivalence to created beings. As Allah Most High says:

“So worship Him and remain steadfast in His worship. Do you know of any equal to Him?”

The linguists explain “Do you know of any equal to Him?” as meaning a counterpart deserving a name like His. It is also explained as a rival who matches Him. This is the meaning of what is reported from Ibn ‘Abbās (“Do you know of any equal to Him?”—that is, any counterpart or likeness).

Allah Most High says:

“He neither begets nor is born, and there is none comparable to Him.”

And Allah Most High says:

“So do not set up rivals to Allah while you know.”

And Allah Most High says:

“Among people are those who take others besides Allah as equals, loving them as they love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in their love for Allah.”

And Allah Most High says:

“They have made the jinn partners with Allah, though He created them, and have falsely attributed sons and daughters to Him without knowledge. Glory be to Him, and exalted is He above what