Thus, although these eternalist philosophers claim to affirm His perpetual agency, they actually deny His agency—the most manifest of the attributes of the Lord, Most High. This is why it was proclaimed in the very first revelation sent down to the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, which begins:
“Read in the name of your Lord who created.”
“Created man from a clinging substance.”
“Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous.”
“Who taught by the pen.”
“Taught man what he did not know.”
He spoke of creation in general terms, then singled out man; He spoke of teaching in general terms, then specified teaching by the pen. Creation entails His action, while teaching entails His speech, for He teaches through His speaking. He speaks through revelation, from behind a veil, or by sending a messenger who reveals, by His permission, whatever He wills. He, Most High, said:
“And taught you what you did not know.”
And He, Most High, said:
“So whoever disputes with you about it after knowledge has come to you”
And He, Most High, said:
“Do not hasten with the Quran before its revelation to you is completed, and say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’”
And He, Most High, said:
“The Most Merciful.”
“Taught the Quran.”
“Created man.”
“Taught him eloquent expression.”
“The sun and the moon follow precise reckoning.”
In reality, the position of these philosophers entails that He neither created nor taught, for what they affirm of creation and teaching amounts only to negating them. According to them, the celestial sphere coexists with Him from eternity and forever. It therefore cannot be something He has made, since an agent must precede its act. They also hold that He does not teach any particular item of knowledge. Yet teaching presupposes knowledge, so anyone who does not know particulars cannot