AL-BĀRĪʾ (البارىء) - The Maker in Islam
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: البارىء (Al-Bāriʾ)
- Turkish: El-Bari
Definition
AL-BĀRĪʾ (البارىء), translated as “The Maker,” is one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam, known as Asma’ul Husna (أسماء الله الحسنى) or “The Most Beautiful Names.” The term signifies Allah’s role in originating and bringing creation into existence with perfect harmony and proportion.
Qur’anic Reference
The name appears in the Qur’an, specifically in Sūrah Al-Hashr (59:24):
<p><strong>“He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the best names.”</strong></p>
Theological Significance
In Islamic theology, Al-Bāriʾ embodies the concept of Allah as the One who not only creates but also originates things from nothingness, fashioning them into complex, harmonious beings. This attribute emphasizes both the uniqueness and the creative power of Allah, demonstrating that every detail in the universe is part of a deliberate and meticulous divine plan.
Broader Context in Islamic Thought
- Creation and Origination: Al-Bāriʾ highlights the Islamic view of creation as a deliberate act by Allah, emphasizing His mastery over all forms and structures in the universe.
- Human Agency: Understanding Allah as Al-Bāriʾ reminds Muslims of their own roles in maintaining and beautifying the world, aligning their actions according to divine wisdom and harmony.
Related Names and Attributes
- Al-Khāliq (الخالق): The Creator
- Al-Muṣawwir (المصور): The Fashioner
- These names collectively highlight different dimensions of Allah’s creative power, describing a continuum from creation (Khāliq) to making (Bāriʾ) to forming (Muṣawwir).
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Most Beautiful Names of Allah” by Tosun Bayrak
- “Divine Names: The 99 Healing Names of the One Love” by Rosina-Fawzia al-Rawi
- “The 99 Names of God: An Illustrated Guide for Young and Old” by Daniel Thomas Dyer
Takeaways
- Al-Bāriʾ signifies Allah’s unparalleled capability in originating and crafting the universe.
- Reflects the deeper Islamic belief in the purposeful and intricate nature of creation.
- Encourages Muslims to acknowledge and honor the divine artistry in all aspects of existence.
Conclusion
Understanding Al-Bāriʾ deepens one’s appreciation of Allah’s creative magnificence and serves as a reminder of the intricate beauty and harmony embedded in the natural world. It calls for a heightened sense of responsibility towards nurturing and protecting Allah’s creations, as part of the divine trust bestowed upon humanity.
By engaging with the concept of Al-Bāriʾ, one can develop a more profound spiritual connection with the essence of creation and the Creator, integrating this understanding into daily life and worship.
