We follow this explanation with what increases its clarity and proof from an epistle by my Master and sheikh Abu al-Fath Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Baghdadi—may God be pleased with him—concerning the knowledge of the Name’s status—exalted be his glory—toward his Namer, the High, All-Knowing Creator.
He said: I asked my lord—may God be pleased with him—regarding that, and he said: "May God grant you the happiness of His knowers through His obedience, and grant you success in word and deed that pleases Him. You asked regarding the status of the Name toward the Namer who named him and made him His path, His way, and His face by which He is recognized and toward which He is intended: is he ancient with Him or originated, having been originated by the Namer for Himself? I have used in my answer to you the manifest Book of God the Almighty, which contains the clarification of all things, as the Sublime said: {And there is no creature on the earth nor bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] nations like you. We have not neglected in the Book a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered}1."
(334) It is related from the Lord Mim—exalted be his glory—that he said: "There is nothing said or that will be said except it has a root and clarification in the Book of God the Mighty and Sublime."
(335) From him—exalted be his glory—that he said: "The liars against me shall increase after me. Whatever comes to you from me, compare it to the Book of God; whatever agrees with the Book, I have said it, and whatever contradicts the Book of God is a lie against me." It is also related: "then it is vanity (zukhuruf)." In another report: "Compare it to the scholars and take what they say."
I am following the Book of God—Majestic is His Name—and what our lord the Messenger—exalted be his glory—confirmed and commanded regarding following what agrees with it, then what appeared regarding that from the reliable sheikhs I met—may God be pleased with them all. I seek refuge in God from any addition or omission in what I present.