or inward and then become outward. Rather, He is an inward Outward and an outward Inward. He is a First before every first without a beginning, and a Last after every last without an end. There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing. Thus, it has become clear that the Essence does not manifest except through its light—and the Light is the Power—and the Light does not manifest except through its radiance—and the Radiance is the Wisdom. Whenever the Light manifests, its manifestation necessitates the manifestation of the Essence; likewise, when the Light is concealed, its concealment necessitates the concealment of the Essence—which is hiddenness (al-butun). Furthermore, the Light does not conceal itself except through that by which it manifested, which is the Wisdom. For that reason:

[23]Our master Abu Shu'ayb, peace be upon him, said: "O One manifest by His power, O One hidden by His wisdom."

And poetry was composed concerning this meaning:

There is no outward reality unless its person expresses An inward reality, without any denial;