partitioned. Rather, it is the exhaustion (Hasr) of the vision due to its [human] temperament. Just as hearts know Him without perceiving His [essence], so do eyes see Him without perceiving Him. Do you know a 'part' or 'fraction' of Him? Or do you know Him in His entirety without perceiving Him?

Servants see Him only according to the measure of their knowledge of Him. Since knowledge of Allah varies in excellence, the vision of Him also varies. Whoever claims that his knowledge of Allah is like the knowledge of the Master Muhammad, has indeed fabricated a great sin. When knowledge of Him differs, the vision of Him differs, while Allah remains One and unchanging—none will remember except the people of understanding."

He [Abu Sa'id] says: "Furthermore, you claimed on behalf of al-Khasibi (Peace be upon him) that he reported—according to your allegation—that the Essence (al-Dhat) is the 'Manifester of Power' (Mubdi al-Qudra), and that 'Power' is the 'Originator of the Image' (Muri al-Surah) which does not unite [with the essence].