al-Ghaniyy

The Self-Sufficient, free of all need

Begin the series ↓

Recited as it sounds in the Qur'an, 31:26.

Heard together with: al-Ghaniyy / al-Mughnī; al-Ghaniyy al-Ḥamīd

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, food, others, meaning.

But: —

Episode 2

In nature

Every organism is an open system needing energy in.

Episode 3

At our best

The Sun gives Earth energy and needs nothing back, but burns its own fuel.

But: Even the Sun is not self-sufficient.

Episode 4

The Break

Take away need, fuel, return, gain.

Give everyone everything they ask, and it is a needle dipped in the sea.

Read: 2:263; 29:6; 31:26.

From the tradition: Muslim 2577 (qudsi): 'were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more than a needle decreases the sea if put into it' (API 6572). Acts 17:25 'neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything'; Ps 50:12 'Were I hungry, I would not tell you'.

On screen

The Matrix's machines need us to run. al-Ghaniyy needs nothing from anything.

Where it shows up

In scripture: Q 35:15; 29:6; Muslim 2577; Ps 50:12; Acts 17:24–25.
The same thread in Jewish and Christian scripture: Ps 50:12; Acts 17:25. Strong.
In the universe: Sun (IAU).
In nature: —
In people: —
In science: Thermodynamics: open systems.

Living it

Contentment; giving without needing thanks.

Its kind

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

In the Qur'an: 2:263; 2:267; 35:15

Sources for this page

hadith-api eng-muslim 6572