The Firm

Unshakeable, without wear.

The tongue

From m-t-n; matn is firmness, the consistency of a tightly woven fabric. More precise than al-Qawī (اَلْقَوِيّ): the strength that does not give way.

The reason

No fatigue eats into His power; no repetition wears it; no century diminishes it.

The Sufi meaning

In holding to Him, you hold to what does not tremble. The rest — opinions, fashions, moods — will pass.

The servant's portion

Seek the firm within yourself: that in you which can withstand the trial without collapsing.