The Most Good

Of a goodness that runs ahead of the request.

The tongue

From b-r-r; birr is acting goodness, the doing of good; bārr (بَارّ) qualifies the son devoted to his parents. Al-Barr is goodness in essence.

The reason

His goodness does not wait for merit: it is first, free, overflowing.

The Sufi meaning

You are not loved because you deserve it; you deserve because you are loved. This inversion is grace.

The servant's portion

Be good by habit, not by calculation. And be bārr toward those to whom you owe: parents, masters, faithful friends.