and Unique from the perspective of Essence. And it was said: Monotheism is realized by recognizing that Allah—Mighty and Sublime—is the Originator of the Unique and the Creator of the One, and that the One is but a servant among His servants, and the Unique is a boundary among His boundaries; because He—Mighty and Majestic—is transcendent above every name, and exalted above every attribute..." up to his saying.

[116] The Messenger of Allah, his glory is mighty, said: "Polytheism [Al-Shirk] within my nation is more hidden than the creeping of a black ant on a dark night upon a black woollen cloth."

Thus, if polytheism is this concealed, then monotheism is even more hidden and subtle. And indeed, the One and the Unique are two servants of Allah, acknowledging their servitude to Him. Then he said: "And indeed, Allah—Glory be to Him—is manifest and existing; and among some of His attributes is Light, through which every concealed thing is made manifest, and He is the Illuminator of every light. So how can light possibly be hidden? Rather, it is only hidden from the veiled ones from Him, by the very factor that became manifest to those who witness Him,