by which it differs from the properties of the individual members, the aggregate need not be equated with those members in respect of its properties.

In sum, the aggregate may or may not be characterized by what characterizes the individual members. Thus, the temporal origination of an individual does not entail the temporal origination of the kind, unless it is established that this aggregate is characterized by the attribute of these individual members.

The governing criterion is this: if adjoining one individual to another changes the property belonging to that individual (1), then the property of the aggregate is not the property of the individual members. But if the property belonging to that individual does not change, then the property of the aggregate is the property of its individual members (2).

An example of the former is that when we join one part to another, the aggregate (3) becomes more extensive, longer, and greater than either individual part. In such a case, the property (4) of the aggregate is not the property of the individual members.

Thus, if it is said, “Indeed, (5) this day is long,” it does not follow that each of its parts is long. Likewise, if it is said, “This person or body (6) is long or extended,” or, “This prayer is long,” or, “[Indeed,] (7) this bliss is everlasting,” it does not follow that every part of it is everlasting.

Allah Most High says:

{Its fruit is perpetual, and so is its shade} [Surah al-Ra'd: 35], yet not every individual portion