namely, that al-Samad is the Master whose mastery is perfect and to whom recourse is made in all affairs; and that al-Samad is He who has no hollow interior. Thus it is said: “Angels are solid, whereas human beings are hollow.” The solid is the opposite of the hollow.

The title “master” implies cohesion and strength. Hence it is said that black is the color that concentrates vision, whereas white is the color that disperses it. A forbearing person is called a master because his soul remains composed, neither scattering nor fragmenting under the impact of anger and whatever assails it. He is likewise one who patiently endures difficulties.