not through a form or a person whom He replaced to appear in their likeness.

Had the Anza’i Image [the image of Ali] been the 'Name' as the follower of falsehood claimed, it would not have been permissible for the name 'A-L-I' (ع-ل-ي) to be applied to it. This is because our Sheikh [al-Khasibi]—may Allah illumine his face—stated: 'These seven names belong to the Meaning (al-Ma'na) by His Essence, and they have never been applied to anyone other than Him, whether it be a Name or a Gate.'"

He [Abu Sa’id] mentioned this discourse to establish that the Anza’i Image is the Meaning (al-Ma'na) in His very Essence, and that it is neither a 'Name' nor a 'Gate'—Exalted be Allah far above what the wrongdoers say.

He says: "The Sheikh [al-Khasibi]—may Allah be pleased with him—has demonstrated to the people of intellect, discernment, and attainment that The Image is the Meaning, and that Ali is The Image¹."

He says: "We have neither found nor known a 'Meaning' called 'Ali' in the exoteric (al-Zahir) except for the Anza’i Image." He continues: "The Anza’i Image was manifest and visible, not veiled from the rest of creation and humanity." He adds: "Had it been permissible for the Anza’i Image to have a 'likeness' or a 'semblance' as the follower of falsehood