Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Baqi.
The Ever-Present. The Immutable.
Allah SWT is Al-Baqi (in Arabic: ٱلْبَاقِي), The Everlasting. The one who has always existed and who will never cease to be. He is the one whose existence doesn’t have a beginning nor an end. The virtue of this name signifies Allah as being perpetual, endless, and everlasting. He will remain forever and unaffected by time.
Forever and Ever:
There is a difference in the interpreted meaning of the names Al-Awwal (The First) and Al-Akhir (The Last), and Al-Baqi in the sense of what each name conveys. Al-Awwal teaches us about Allah SWT as being the beginning of all creation, Al-Akhir describes Him as the last. However, Al-Baqi, describes Allah’s nature to be everlasting or eternal. Being called the first and the last can seem bounded or constrained by time. Al-Baqi affirms to us that Allah SWT transcends time. There is no before or after with respect to Allah SWT and always will be.
Time is a creation of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ, and His perception of it is unchanging. As Imam Ghazali mentions, “only changeable things participate in past or future because past or future are temporal expressions.”
Imam Ghazali explains, “He is the existent whose existence is necessary in itself.” It is inconceivable to imagine how something could exist in and of itself. But His existence is, and it’s everlasting. For this reason, we are all here today. He’s allowed for us to be and gives us our continued sustenance and purpose for existing.
(مَا عِندَكُمۡ يَنفَدُ وَمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ بَاقٖۗ وَلَنَجۡزِيَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُوٓاْ أَجۡرَهُم بِأَحۡسَنِ مَا كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ)
(“Whatever you have will end, but what Allah has is lasting. And We will surely give those who were patient their reward according to the best of what they used to do.”) An-Nahl 16: 96
(كُلُّ مَنْ عَلَيْهَا فَانٍۢ وَيَبْقَىٰ وَجْهُ رَبِّكَ ذُو ٱلْجَلَـٰلِ وَٱلْإِكْرَامِ)
“(26) Everyone upon the earth will perish, (27) And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.” ) Ar-Rahman 55:26-27
The story of Musa (Moses) and the sorcerers in the Quranic narrative exemplifies the concept of recognizing the ultimate permanence and value of worshipping Allah (Al-Baqi). In this story, the sorcerers, despite their expertise in magic and their initial challenge to Musa, eventually realized the futility of their efforts when confronted with the truth.
When Musa demonstrated a miraculous sign from Allah by turning his staff into a serpent, the sorcerers were initially awed by his feat. However, upon witnessing Musa’s staff devouring their illusions, they came to a profound realization. They recognized that the power of Allah transcended their magic and that true honor and worthiness lie in submitting to Him alone.
Their acknowledgment of the superiority of Allah’s power over their magic led them to prostrate in humility and embrace Islam, despite the threats and intimidation from Pharaoh. This pivotal moment in the story highlights the contrast between the fleeting nature of worldly achievements, represented by the sorcerers’ magic, and the everlasting significance of faith in Allah.
Indeed, recognizing Allah as Al-Baqi, the Everlasting, reminds believers that the pursuit of His pleasure and approval should be their ultimate goal. Everything perishable and transient in this world pales in comparison to the eternal rewards promised by Allah for those who worship Him sincerely.
Al-Baqi: Beyond the Bounds of Time
Understanding Allah as Al-Baqi, The Everlasting, introduces a profound perspective on the nature of existence. Unlike everything in creation, which is bound by time, Allah exists outside of these constraints. This timeless existence is foundational in shaping the Muslim worldview, particularly in understanding life and the inevitability of the afterlife.
“Every soul will taste death. Then unto Us will you be returned.” (Al-Ankabut 29:57)
(كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ۖ ثُمَّ إِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ )
This eternal perspective encourages believers to look beyond the temporary allure of worldly pleasures and focus instead on actions that yield eternal rewards. It teaches that what is transient will pass, but what is with Allah remains forever, guiding Muslims to prioritize their lives around deeds that have lasting value and striving for a legacy that extends into eternity.
Al-Baqi: The Constant in Change
In a world characterized by constant change, the recognition of Allah as Al-Baqi offers a stable anchor for the believer’s heart. This section explores how the unchanging nature of Allah can be a source of comfort and strength during times of personal upheaval and societal flux.
( إِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ فِي سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ اسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ يُغْشِي اللَّيْلَ النَّهَارَ يَطْلُبُهُ حَثِيثًا وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ وَالنُّجُومَ مُسَخَّرَاتٍ بِأَمْرِهِ ۗ أَلَا لَهُ الْخَلْقُ وَالْأَمْرُ ۗ تَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ
“Indeed, the creation and the command belong to Him. Blessed is Allah, the Lord of the worlds!” (Al-A’raf 7:54)
Believers are reminded that despite the unpredictable nature of life, the presence of Allah remains constant and reliable. This understanding helps cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience, encouraging Muslims to maintain their focus on the divine promise of the Hereafter. It reinforces the idea that while our circumstances may change, our ultimate reliance should be on Allah, whose eternal nature assures us of His perpetual guidance and support.
Al-Baqi: Lessons in Humility and Purpose
Reflecting on Allah as Al-Baqi also invites a deeper contemplation of our own existence and the humility that should naturally arise from recognizing our temporal nature compared to His eternal being. This awareness impacts a believer’s ego and sense of self-importance, grounding them in a reality where Allah is the permanent center.
“And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth apart, and you will never reach the mountains in height.” (Al-Isra’a 17:37)
(وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۖ إِنَّكَ لَن تَخْرِقَ الْأَرْضَ وَلَن تَبْلُغَ الْجِبَالَ طُولًا)
This verse serves as a reminder of our modest place within the universe. By understanding that we are mere creations within Allah’s eternal dominion, believers are encouraged to live lives of humility and purpose. It also affects how Muslims engage with the world around them—promoting a life of service, reverence, and devotion to fulfilling Allah’s commands, which are designed to guide us towards achieving eternal success in the Hereafter.