aṣ-Ṣamad

The Eternal Refuge, needed by all and needing none

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Recited as it sounds in the Qur'an, 112:2.

Heard together with: al-Aḥad / aṣ-Ṣamad

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: we need air, water, food, others, every second.

But: Minutes without air.

Episode 2

In nature

Even tardigrades need water to revive.

Episode 3

At our best

The Sun: the Solar System depends on it, and it depends on its own fuel.

But: Every 'centre' we know is itself a dependant.

Episode 4

The Break

Take away need, fuel, support, hollowness.

Everything turns to something. aṣ-Ṣamad turns to nothing, and everything turns to Him.

Read: 112:2; once in the Qur'an.

From the tradition: Two glosses : al-Ṭabarī 'the lord to whom all turn'; Ibn ʿAbbās/Mujāhid 'not hollow, without lack'. Shīʿa (Imām al-Ḥusayn): 'Ṣamad is One who does not sleep'.

On screen

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Where it shows up

In scripture: Q 112:2; 35:15; Acts 17:25.
The same thread in Jewish and Christian scripture: Maimonides' First Principle: all need Him for their existence; Acts 17:25. Moderate.
In the universe: Sun as centre and dependant (IAU ).
In nature: visual: sunflowers tracking light, calves turning to drink.
In people: A night-shift bell answered.
In science: Dependency chains; contingency.

Living it

Be someone others can turn to.

Its kind

Beyond: majesty: what He is not, and how far beyond.

In the Qur'an: 112:2

Watch and listen

Films, documentaries and voices that reach towards this Name. Each links out to where you can watch it.

FreeYouTube videoSurat Al-Ikhlas - Mishary Rashed AlafasySurah al-Ikhlas, the chapter on God's oneness, in under twenty seconds.0:19 · Alafasy (Mishary Rashid Alafasy, official)

Watch on YouTube ↗

Sources for this page

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