way.»¹ Thus Allah and the Most Merciful are two names for one Meaning (Ma‘nā), and though they are two names differing in words, they are one light.’

It has been reported from the Scholar, Exalted Glory, that he said: "Knowledge and Will are two names for two attributes that were joined (ratqan) and impressed in the Essence, then they separated, and each part was like a great mountain."

His saying they were joined and impressed in the Essence is proof that they were joined in the Universal Light, then they separated by manifestation. He means by this saying: that from the Universal Light burst forth a radiant light, and from that radiant light bursting from the Essence, two personified figures appeared. A long report has been narrated indicating this Meaning (Ma‘nā), connected to the speech regarding what indicates our saying, which is:

The saying of Amir Al-muminin Exalted Glory: "The two highest Names which were gathered and stayed together do not exist except with two Named ones, thus they are known and described, then they join. They have stars, and upon their stars are stars. The Qur’an came with their distinction and the description of their beauties so that the people of success might infer by it their Meaning (Ma‘nā) and the locations of their pillars. The beauties are from their description; they brought knowledge for others. Two strong and powerful attributes, they brought knowledge and wisdom and separated between faith and disbelief. Indeed, those who believe, when they hear, they retain; when they retain, they understand; when they understand, they know; and when they know, they act. Oh, how I long for them! Exalted Glory."

And in another report regarding this Meaning (Ma‘nā), he, Exalted Glory, said: "The two highest Names which were gathered