one who likens, he is a polytheist (mushrik); the one who negates is a nullifier (mubṭil); and the one who establishes is a monotheist (muwaḥḥid). Monotheism is the acknowledgment of Him — Exalted Glory — as established and existing, beyond both likeness and nullification; there is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing."

Muhammad ibn Khalid al-Barqi said: Abu al-Maymun al-Hasan ibn Harun al-Samarra'i, the scribe, then ceased his speech. I said: "O my master, I adjure you by Allah, have you withheld from me anything of what you heard? Do not hide it from me if you know that I am worthy of it and deserving of it."

He said: "Go to your residence and come early tomorrow." So I went, and from his discourse shall come what follows in the Second Assembly, if Allah the Almighty wills.