Chapter

As for the assertion that perfection and deficiency are relative matters, we have already explained that the Lord is entitled to perfection that involves no deficiency whatsoever—the perfection possible for an existent being. Such perfection can never be denied of Allah. Relative perfection, however, necessarily entails deficiency: it is perfection in one respect but not in another. Eating, for example, is a perfection for one who is hungry, but a deficiency for one who is satiated, because it is not pure perfection but is accompanied by deficiency.

Exalting Himself, asserting His greatness, praising Himself, commanding people to worship and supplicate Him, and directing their hopes toward Him—along with similar matters exclusive to lordship—are praiseworthy perfections in the Lord, Blessed and Exalted, but blameworthy deficiencies in a created being.

The same applies to statements concerning matters exclusive to lordship, such as His saying:

“Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me.”

[Ta Ha: 14]

And His saying, Exalted is He:

“Call upon Me; I will answer you.”

[Ghāfir: 60]

And His saying:

“Whether you reveal what is within yourselves or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it.”

[al-Baqara: 284]

And His saying:

“Or do those who commit evil deeds think that they can outrun Us?”

[al-Ankabūt: 4]

And His saying:

“Indeed, you shall have no authority over My servants.”

[al-Hijr: 42]

And His saying:

“Indeed, We shall surely support Our messengers and those who believe, both in the life of this world and on the Day when the witnesses arise.”

[Ghāfir: 51],