He who Withholds

Who prevents what would do harm.

The tongue

From m-n-ʿ; manʿ, to prevent, to forbid. An active form: the One who withholds.

The reason

He withholds what He wills: a gift one asks of Him, an evil one feared, an event one hoped for. And His withholding is as much a grace as His giving.

The Sufi meaning

Often, what you did not obtain was your protection. Al-Māniʿ sometimes withholds for your good — you will know it later, perhaps.

The servant's portion

Learn to withhold: your anger, your tongue, your desire to have the last word. Prevention is an act of strength.