He who Afflicts

The ultimate source of every trial, which comes only through wisdom.

The tongue

From ḍ-r-r; ḍarr, harm, injury. A Name to be handled with reverence: it says that nothing can do harm outside His decree.

The reason

No affliction comes without His permission. This does not mean that He loves evil — it means that nothing escapes His ordinance.

The Sufi meaning

To understand aḍ-Ḍārr heals one of rancour against the world: what comes to you, even by another's hand, is also by His permission. You no longer have to struggle against the shadows: you turn toward the Source.

The servant's portion

Never be a cause of harm, to the measure of your power; but accept harm undergone as a part of the great economy you do not yet understand.