"Among the Pure Monotheism that is untainted by deficiency and untouched by decay are the words of Abu Muhammad al-Hasan ibn Shu'ba. It is also said that they belong to Ja'far ibn Ali ibn Abd Allah ibn Shu'ba—may Allah be pleased with them both and satisfy them, and may He join us all through [this doctrine], for He is Ali: Great, Kind, and Merciful.

Knowledge bestowed upon me an affirmation through confession,

And understanding increased within me a vision through insight.

Leading to his words—may Allah sanctify him:

To affirm 'Nothingness' is an annulment [of God], far be it from Him;

And to confine Him to a part is a denial.

Exalted is His 'how-ness' above the incapacity of His power; And to describe Him through likeness is to negate Him out of His greatness.

Our claim that we know Him through 'another'

Is Shirk (polytheism) professed by those who are disbelievers.