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In the previous articles we proved the existence of a beginningless creator. In this article, we will prove that this beginningless creator is actually the only creator. Everything that emerges into existence, emerges by His Power and in accordance with His Will, and no one else’s.

Creative action: the bringing of contingents into existence by the power and will of a creator. For example: the creating of earth, which is an act of God.

The proof for God’s being the only creator is called Burhan Al-Tamanu’ (the proof by prevention), it can be argued for using the following syllogism:

• • If another creator existed, then either God is able to negate this other creator’s actions^[1], or God is unable to negate this other creator’s actions.
  • It is impossible for God to be able to negate this other creator’s actions, and it is impossible for God to be unable to negate this other creator’s actions.
  • Therefore, another creator does not exist.

Since we have already established that a beginningless creator exists, the conclusion of Burhan Al-Tamanu’ necessitates that this beginningless creator be the only creator.

Premise 1: If another creator existed, then either God is able to negate this other creator’s actions, or God is unable to negate this other creator’s actions.

If another creator existed, then either:

• • God is able to negate this other creator’s actions.
  • God is not able to negate this other creator’s actions.

Each of the two options is the negation of the other, which means that they are collectively exhaustive by law of non-contradiction. Thus, this premise is true.

Premise 2: It is impossible for God to be able to negate this other creator’s actions, and it is impossible for God to be unable to negate this other creator’s actions.

Both of the options stipulated in premise 1 are impossible.

It is impossible for God to be able to negate this other creator’s actions, because a thing and its negation are mutually exclusive. As such, they cannot be both created.

For example: when the other creator creates motion for a body, it is impossible for God to be able to create rest for that same body. Since motion and rest are mutually exclusive.

But on the other hand, it is also impossible for God to be unable to negate this other creator’s actions. As that would mean that God’s Power was specified by the power of this second creator. And it is impossible for God’s attributes to be specified, as that would entail His contingency.

For example: when the other creator creates motion for a body, it is impossible that God should be unable to create rest for that same body. Since that would mean that the power of this other creator specified the Power of God, such that God is forced to comply with this other creator’s actions. And this is impossible, because God’s attributes cannot be specified.

Therefore, another creator does not exist

The two premises are true, so the conclusion necessarily follows. Therefore, another creator does not exist. The only being with the ability to bring essences into existence is God. Given this conclusion, everything that emerges into existence was brought into existence by the Power of God, and in accordance with His Will.

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[1] “Negate this other creator’s actions” meaning: create the negation of this other creator’s actions, when the other creator acts.

For example: create rest for a body, when the other creator creates motion for that same body.