2 cf. Chapter 40...

2 cf. Chapter 40, Verse 7 of the Holy Quran. and He favored them by His grace. He does not hasten His revenge, nor does He take the initiative on what (He knows) they deserve of His punishment. He comprehends the secrets, and knows what the hearts conceal. Hidden things are not concealed from Him, nor do they make Him doubtful. He encompasses (in knowledge) and dominates everything, and has strength and power over everything.

Nothing is like Him1, and He is the establisher of “the thing” when it was nothing. 1 cf. Chapter 42, Verse 11 of the Holy Quran.

He is everlasting [and free of need]., who acts justly; He is exalted beyond being grasped by visions, while He grasps all visions, and He is subtle, well aware (of all things).2 None can reach His description by seeing Him, nor can anyone find out how He is, secretly or openly, and (He is not known) except by what Allah, the mighty and the majestic, has made as the signs of Himself.3 .Uae.B.G.5 1 cf. Chapter 3, Verse 18 of the Holy Quran. 2 cf. Chapter 6, Verse 103 of the Holy Quran.

The word "visions" mentioned in this verse is not limited to seeing by eyes. It covers all types of vision and perception as it is used in a plural form in the verse. Under the commentary of this verse, Imam al-Ridha (PBUH) said: “Verily, thinking or imagination of the mind is greater than the vision of the eyes. Thus, (the verse means) minds can not reach Him, and He reaches to all minds.” (al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 98, Hadith #10; Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 4, p. 39, Hadith #16).

3 The recognition of Allah for us is only through His signs, not by grasping His Essence. Imam al-Ridha (PBUH) said, “Anything that is known by itself (i.e., by the comprehension of its essence) is a created thing.” Imam al-Ridha (PBUH) also said, “Allah is recognized by the signs and is proven by the indications.” Furthermore, Imam al- I testify that He is Allah, Whose holiness overspreads all ages, Whose light overwhelms perpetuity1, Who enforces His command without consulting an advisor.

There is no partner with Him in (His) planning, nor is there any discrepancy in (His) management. He shaped whatever He originated without a preexisting model, Baqir (PBUH) said, “Allah is not recognized by analogy (between the creations), nor is He perceived by senses, nor does He resemble people. He is introduced by signs and is recognized by marks.” See: al-Tawhid, p. 35, Hadith 2, p. 47, Hadith 9, and p. 108, Hadith 5, respectively.