as-Salām

Peace; the Source of peace, Himself free from every defect

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Recited as it sounds in the Qur'an, 59:23.

Heard together with: al-Quddūs / as-Salām

Start with what we know

Then take away everything it needs. What is left is not a bigger version of us. It is the Name.

Episode 1

In us

Reverse ladder. Human peace needs: safety, enough food, health, others' consent; it breaks under fear

But: Fragile, local, temporary

Episode 2

In nature

Ecosystem equilibrium: a forest recovering after rain or fire, always in motion

Episode 3

At our best

JWST parks at L2, a balance point 1.5 million km from Earth where pulls balance; still needs station-keeping thrusters

But: Every equilibrium we build has to be maintained

Episode 4

The Break

Take away maintenance, threat, fear, the need for a guarantee.

Not the calmest thing, but peace that has nothing to be kept safe from.

Read: Q 59:23 (as-Salām); 10:25

From the tradition: Classical: as-Salām is the One free of every defect and the source of safety for creation. Talmud Shabbat 10b: 'Shalom is one of the names of God' (Judges 6:24)

On screen

In the films, the Force has to be with you. as-Salām is peace that needs no one's side to win.

Where it shows up

In scripture: Q 59:23; 10:25; 36:58. Judges 6:24; Numbers 6:26 priestly blessing 'grant you peace'
The same thread in Jewish and Christian scripture: Strong. Judges 6:24 'Adonai-shalom'; Talmud Shabbat 10b; the greetings as-salāmu ʿalaykum / shalom aleikhem
In the universe: NASA JWST at L2, 1.5 million km away
In nature: Our Planet 'Forests' full episode (Netflix official YouTube)
In people: The greeting itself: strangers wishing peace before anything else
In science: Physics: equilibrium and Lagrange points; biology: homeostasis keeps body temperature near 37 °C