have done this through those under my rule and in my possession.” Everything other than Allah is created by Him and belongs to Him. He, glorified is He, governs the affairs of the world Himself and through His angels, who are His messengers in His creation and command. In this respect, He is the One most entitled to say “Indeed, We” and “We,” for no one besides Him possesses absolute sovereignty or issues commands that are obeyed completely. He therefore deserves to say “Indeed, We” and “We.” Kings bear some resemblance to this, so there is another respect in which these expressions are ambiguous. Yet nothing resembles Allah in the unique prerogative attributed to Him in this regard.

Knowing the ultimate reality of this means knowing His angels, their attributes and ranks, and how He governs the affairs of heaven and earth through them. Allah Most High has said:

“None knows the hosts of your Lord except Him.”

Thus, only He knows the ultimate reality of these ambiguous expressions. Even if we know their explanation and meaning, we do not know the ultimate reality to which they refer in actual existence.

This is unlike His words:

“Allah is the One who created.”

This is an unambiguous verse containing no ambiguity, for this name belongs exclusively to Allah. It is not like “Indeed, We” and “We,” which are used by someone who has partners or helpers whom he needs. Allah Most High is far above either of these, as He has said:

“Say, ‘Call upon those whom you claim to be gods besides Allah. They possess not an atom’s weight in the heavens or on earth, nor do they have any share in either, nor does He have any helper among them.’”

And He has said:

“And say, ‘All praise is for Allah, who has never taken a son, who has no partner in His sovereignty, and who needs no protector out of weakness.’ And proclaim His greatness.”

The meaning intended by these expressions when applied to created beings cannot have any counterpart established for Allah. This is why they are ambiguous.