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ArticlesOfTheIslamicFaithByGhazali, page : 95
the fingers of the Merciful (Allah)." When we examine the hearts
of the believers we shall not find them surrounded with
fingers, and consequently we shall know that the words are
used metaphorically for power which is inherent in fingers and
constitutes their hidden life. Furthermore, power was metaphorically
represented by the fingers because such a metaphor
conveys the idea of power more completely.
Of the same kind is the instance where Allah expresses the idea
of His Power metaphorically by saying: "When We decree a
thing, We only say: 'Be,' and it is." (Ch.16:40 Koran) The outward
meaning of this verse is not possible because if the
saying of Allah 'Be' was addressed to the thing before that
of the believers we shall not find them surrounded with
fingers, and consequently we shall know that the words are
used metaphorically for power which is inherent in fingers and
constitutes their hidden life. Furthermore, power was metaphorically
represented by the fingers because such a metaphor
conveys the idea of power more completely.
Of the same kind is the instance where Allah expresses the idea
of His Power metaphorically by saying: "When We decree a
thing, We only say: 'Be,' and it is." (Ch.16:40 Koran) The outward
meaning of this verse is not possible because if the
saying of Allah 'Be' was addressed to the thing before that