If it were inside, the outward limbs would be void [of independent function]. If it were connected, a part of it would be diminished if a limb was removed from the body. If it were separate, Zaid would have no more right to it than Amr.

Once a human clarifies this regarding himself, he should not ask about the reality of the Inward and its concealment, nor the Outward and its manifestation—while knowing that the reality of that is the ultimate goal. He should not ask "Where is His existence?" nor "How is His existence?" because "Where" is a place and "How" is a form, and He is transcendent above place and form except by way of metaphor.

The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) said:

"If you say 'When,' then Time preceded His Essence. If you say 'Where,' then Place preceded His existence. If you say 'Before,' then 'Before' is after Him. If you say 'After,' then His Essence has been veiled from description."

And regarding the question: "By what do we find Him?" We find Him through His outward actions, His overpowering power, the occurrence of events that point to Him, and the chain of the created beings' total need for Him.