As to the attributes and perfections such as will,
knowledge, power and other ancient attributes that we ascribe to that Divine
Reality, these are the signs that reflect the existence of beings in the
visible plane and not the absolute perfections of the Divine Essence that
cannot be comprehended. For instance, as we consider created things we observe
infinite perfections, and the created things being in the utmost regularity and
perfection we infer that the Ancient Power on whom dependeth the existence of
these beings, cannot be ignorant; thus we say He is All-Knowing. It is certain
that it is not impotent, it must be then All-Powerful; it is not poor, it must
be All-Possessing; it is not non-existent, it must be Ever-Living. The purpose
is to show that these attributes and perfections that we recount for that
Universal Reality are only in order to deny imperfections, rather than to
assert the perfections that the human mind can conceive. Thus we say His
attributes are unknowable.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, ’Tablet to August Forel’)
