The Afflictor - Aḍ-Ḍārr
Aḍ-Ḍārr, The Distressor, The Harmer, The Afflictor
This Name of God is not a Name on its own, but rather comes with An-Nāfiʿ. These two must be mentioned together. We cannot just say Al-Ḍār; it is Al-Ḍār, an-Nāfi`. This is because if God Almighty decrees what appears to be harm, it is only to ultimately benefit and for a wisdom that He knows. When making a choice, remember who is the ultimate Source of harm and benefit. Choosing an unethical path or a temporary pleasure because we believe that is what will benefit us means that we believe more in the promise of Shaytan (Satan) rather than in God’s promise. Shaytan promises us poverty and orders us to immorality. This immorality is what makes us in essence impoverished, though it may give us a temporary sense of benefit and pleasure. Even if we flourish financially, our spiritual light is extinguished.