Another proof comes from the words of our sheikh—may God sanctify his soul—in his answer to Abu al-Qasim ibn Shu’ba—may God be pleased with him—when he asked him: "May the sheikh inform me of the answer for one who says the Name is originated?" He—may God brighten his face—replied: "This is something I have never explained to anyone, out of caution for the hidden secret of God. However, you have bound me to a matter that must be clarified. Know, my son, that the Name is originated from the Ancient, yet he is ancient to all other originated beings."

Similar to this is what we present from him—may God raise his rank—in his poetry containing the clarification of the judgment:

Seven names He is called, A Namer, not a named one.

The explanation of this is his saying: "Seven names" belong to the Meaning in Essence, never falling upon any other Name or Gate. They are, in reality, from Abel to our Master the Ain—exalted be his glory. He is the Namer of all names. The "names" are Muhammad; he is the location of the Names, Attributes, and Descriptions. Likewise, the Gate is the location of Muhammad's names and attributes. For none among His creation perceives Muhammad, nor limits him, nor knows his core, except his Pre-eternal Creator—the One who originated the pre-eternal [Name], the Gate, and those beneath them.

Abu al-Hassan Ali ibn Surur al-Hayyaji—may God be pleased with him—narrated to me from Sheikh Abu Sa’id Maymun ibn al-Qasim al-Tabarani, who said: I asked Abu al-Husayn Muhammad al-Jali—may God sanctify them both—regarding the word of Him whose name is blessed: {O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about God except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of God and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul from Him. So believe in God and His messengers. And do not say, "Three"; desist—it is better for you. Indeed, God is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is God as a Disposer of affairs.}¹