The Seventeenth Word

 

He, the All-Permanent One

 

(NOTE: After an afternoon Prayer during Ramadan 25 years ago, I recited ‘Abdu’l-Qadir al-Jilani’s composition of the Divine Names in verse. I wanted to write a supplication using the Divine Names, but could write only the following. I wanted to write a supplication similar to that of my blessed master. But alas, I have no ability to write in verse and so could not complete it. It is included here, for it is appropriate.)

He, the All-Permanent One

The Absolutely Wise in His decrees, we are under His decree;

He is the All-Wise and All-Just; His is the earth and the heavens.

 

The All-Knowing of the secrets and all that is hidden in His Kingdom;

He is the All-Powerful, the Self-Subsistent; His is all from the Supreme Throne to the ground.

 

The All-Subtle in skills and inscriptions in His making and artistry;

He is the All-Originating, the All-Loving; His is the beauty and the splendor.

 

The All-Majestic in His manifestations and acts in His creation;

He is the All-Sovereign, the All-Holy and Pure; His is the might and glory, and the grandeur.

 

The Originator of beings; we are among the inscriptions of His Art;

He is the All-Constant, the All-Permanent One; His is the dominion and permanence.

 

The All-Munificent Bestower of favors; we are among the caravans of His guests;

He is the All-Providing, the All-Sufficer; His is the praise and glorification.

 

The All-Beautiful Granter of gifts; we are among the weavings of His Knowledge;

He is the Creator, the All-Faithful; His is the generosity and the favoring.

 

The Hearer of the complaints and prayers from His creatures;

He is the All-Pitying, the All-Healing; His is the thanks and the praise.

 

The Forgiver of the faults and sins of His servants;

He is the All-Forgiving, the All-Compassionate; His is forgiveness and approval.

 

O my soul! Like my heart weep, cry out and say:

 

 

I am mortal, so I do not want the mortal.

I am impotent, so I do not desire the impotent.

I surrendered my spirit to the All-Merciful, so I desire none else.

I want only one who will remain my friend forever.

I am but an insignificant particle, but I desire an everlasting sun. I am nothing in essence, but I wish for the whole of creation.

 

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi