The Subduer

He before whom every force bends.

The tongue

An intensive form of q-h-r: to subdue, to tame, to vanquish absolutely. Al-Kāfījī specifies that qahr is stronger than ghalaba: it is not only to defeat, it is to reduce to total powerlessness.

The reason

Every will other than His breaks against His will. The mighty of the earth grow old and die — proof that above them watches a Subduer.

The Sufi meaning

Al-Qahhār is the Name that tames the inner passions. The spiritual combatant is not the one who destroys his outward enemies, but the one who takes his carnal soul captive.

The servant's portion

Subdue your ego before it subdues you; and do not forget that you yourself will one day be tamed by one greater than you.