Al-Bāsit̤ (الباسط)
Definition
Al-Bāsit̤ (الباسط) is one of the ninety-nine names of Allah, also known as Asma’ul Husna (The Beautiful Names). The name Al-Bāsit̤ translates to “The Expander” or “He Who Spreads” and signifies Allah’s attribute of spreading, stretching out, and dispensing riches and mercy.
Etymology
The term Al-Bāsit̤ originates from the Arabic root “ب س ط” (b-s-t), which means to spread, extend, or expand. The related verb ‘بَسَطَ’ (basata) refers to the act of spreading out or stretching.
- Arabic: الباسط (Al-Bāsit̤)
- Turkish: El-Basit
Quranic Reference
The name Al-Bāsit̤ occurs in the Quran and is highlighted in Surah Al-Ra’d (13:15):
<p>“وَلِلَّهِ يَسْجُدُ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ طَوْعًا وَكَرْهًا وَظِلَالُهُم بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ”</p> <p>(To Allah prostrates whoever is within the heavens and the earth, willingly or by compulsion, and their shadows [as well] in the mornings and the afternoons.)</p>
Significance in Theology
In Islamic theology, Al-Bāsit̤ signifies Allah’s ability to extend His mercy, bounty, sustenance, and wisdom to His creation. It reflects God’s kindness and generosity, providing physical and spiritual abundance to all creatures. Allah being Al-Bāsit̤ implies reliance and trust in His capacity to expand one’s sustenance and well-being in times of need.
Relation with Other Names
Al-Bāsit̤ is often mentioned alongside its counterpart “Al-Qābiḍ” (ْالْقابض), which means “The Constrictor” or “He Who Restricts”. Together they reflect the balanced view of God’s attributes, where He has the power to both give and take, to extend and constrict, in accordance with His divine wisdom.
Cultural Practices
Muslims frequently invoke the name Al-Bāsit̤ through supplication (du’a), seeking Allah’s help in expanding their provisions, knowledge, and spiritual growth. Reciting this name is believed to bring about increased spiritual awareness and material blessings.
Books for Further Studies
- “The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God” by Al-Ghazali
- “The 99 Names of Allah” by Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi
- “Asma-ul-Husna: The 99 Names of Allah with Meaning and Benefits” by Omer Faruk Senturk
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Core Meaning: Al-Bāsit̤ reflects Allah’s attribute of expanding and extending various aspects of blessings and sustenance.
- Quranic Significance: It is mentioned in the Quran as a representation of Allah’s expansive mercy and provision.
- Theological Importance: Demonstrates the balance between Allah’s ability to give and withhold, spread and contain.
- Practical Invocation: Used in supplications to seek enhancement in various life domains.
Al-Bāsit̤ (الباسط) is a profound name that encapsulates the expansive mercy and provision of Allah, reminding believers of God’s tremendous capacity to offer and enrich their lives both materially and spiritually.
