How can we reconcile describing Allah as "the Best of creators" with negating any equal to Him?

One of the fundamental principles for understanding the names and attributes of Allah is that they must be understood based on the Arabic language in which the Qur'an was revealed. Also, the names and descriptions attributed to Allah and to His creation do not imply similarity between them. Names may be similar in لفظ (wording) but differ in معنى (meaning). For example, names such as "The Light" (An-Nur), "The Guide" (Al-Hadi), and "The Inheritor" (Al-Warith) have been applied to Allah and to some of His creation, but their meanings differ fundamentally in a way that befits each.

And if the term "creation" (khalq) is applied to humans, such as in His saying, the Exalted: (So Blessed be Allah, the Best of creators), this does not mean that they share with Allah in true creation, which is bringing something into existence from nothingness. Rather, it refers to "making" or "designing." Allah alone is the Creator in terms of bringing into existence and innovating. The creation by creatures is merely transforming something from one state to another or designing it within a limited scope, and this does not contradict Allah's sole right to absolute creation.

In summary, any name of the Creator attributed to a creature is understood in a manner befitting the creature, while the names and attributes of Allah are understood in a manner befitting His perfection and majesty, as affirmed by His saying, the Exalted: (There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing), and (Say, "He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He has not begotten, nor has He been begotten, And there is none comparable to Him.")