or progenitors, each testify independently to createdness (hudûs; Ar. ḥudūth). Similarly, the natural laws, which are imaginary and theoretical, and natural causes, which lack intelligence, lack the ability to create and fashion the innumerable astonishing chains of beings and the countless, wondrous, divine machines which form the chains. Therefore, every single being and all the species proclaim independently and make known that they proceed from the All-Wise Maker's hand of power. Yes, the All-Glorious Maker put the stamp of contingency and createdness on the foreheads of all things.

Note

When deeming possible such false questions as the pre-eternity of matter and the formation of the species from the motion of particles, the intention is to persuade oneself by something else, so the error arises from giving those questions secondary importance then failing to perceive their fallacious principles. For if one addressed oneself to them in order to convince oneself, one would see that they are irrational and precluded. Supposing one did accept them, one could do so only out of the distress caused by forgetfulness of the Maker.

Note

Being noble and honourable, by virtue of the human essence man always wants to buy what is right and always seeks the truth and his perpetual goal is happiness. But unsuspectingly, while seeking the truth, he obtains what is false and wrong. While digging the mine of truth, the false falls on his head. Or else, if forced to find the truth or he finds no part of it, his inborn nature, conscience, and mind are compelled to accept something he knows to be irrational and invalid, because he considers it superficially and in second place.

Now, keep this fact in view. You will see that the inborn natures of those who have mistaken ideas about the pre-eternity of matter and motion due to their not heeding the order in the world, and imagine blind coincidence in the wondrous art and embroidery, which leaves all minds in astonishment, and who believe that lifeless causes have an actual effect despite the testimony of all the pur-