For this reason, Master al-Sadiq (mercy be upon him) said: "The night and the day are two parables for Occultation and Manifestation," and they have meanings the explanation of which would be lengthy.

Among these meanings is what was narrated in the books of Monotheism: that the Creator (the Exalted), before formation, is not called Manifest nor Inward. For if He were Manifest, to whom did He appear such that He would then be Inward? And if He were Inward, from whom was He hidden such that He would then be Manifest?

This indicates that He is not described by manifestation (Zuhur) or inwardness (Butun) except from the perspective of the creatures. It also indicates that He—the Exalted—is described by what is seen of names and attributes to show that the Essence manifest through these descriptions and names is indeed He, and no one can see Him or know Him except through them.

However, if He were [absolutely] manifest, He would be limited by sight; if He were [absolutely] inward, He would be confined by the veil that hides Him from view. If He were [absolutely] first, He would be limited by circumstances or number; if He were [absolutely] last, He would be preceded [by something else]. He transcends that one state should precede another for Him.