Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Mubdi
All things have a beginning, except Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. Allah is Al-Mubdi, the initiator. He is the one from which all things begin. This name is often mentioned in pairs, Al-Mubdi and Al-Mu’id (the restorer). The connection between the two names is the first creation represents the beginning, Al-Mubdi. There is nothing like it. It is unique and original. Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ creation is made from nothingness and without any model. When we build something, we’re often taking inspiration or building on top of something that came before, that is said to be a restoration. The meaning of Al-Mu’id is the same, taking something prior and revitalizing it. Except for Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ can restore a thing from non-living back to life.
Though the name Al-Mubdi is not mentioned in the Qur’an, many verses describe this quality of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. Instead, the Qur’an often mentions the two names in the verb form, yub’di-u (He originates) and yu’idu (regenerates).
Allah Almighty says:
(أَوَلَمۡ يَرَوۡاْ كَيۡفَ يُبۡدِئُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَلۡقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥٓۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٞ)
(“Have they not considered how Allah begins creation and then repeats it? Indeed that, for Allah, is easy.” ) Al-Ankabut 29:19
(أَمَّن يَبْدَؤُا۟ ٱلْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥ وَمَن يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌۭ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ قُلْ هَاتُوا۟ بُرْهَـٰنَكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ)
(Or ˹ask them,˺ “Who originates the creation then resurrects it, and gives you provisions from the heavens and the earth? Is it another god besides Allah?” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Show ˹me˺ your proof, if what you say is true.”) An-Naml 27:64
(أَوَلَمۡ يَرَوۡاْ كَيۡفَ يُبۡدِئُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَلۡقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥٓۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٞ)
(“Have they not considered how Allah begins creation and then repeats it? Indeed that, for Allah, is easy.”) Al-Ankabut 29:19
(قُلۡ هَلۡ مِن شُرَكَآئِكُم مَّن يَبۡدَؤُاْ ٱلۡخَلۡقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥۚ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ يَبۡدَؤُاْ ٱلۡخَلۡقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥۖ فَأَنَّىٰ تُؤۡفَكُونَ)
(Say, “Are there of your ‘partners’ any who begins creation and then repeats it?” Say, ‘Allah begins creation and then repeats it, so how are you deluded?'”) Yunus 10: 34
It is mentioned 0 times in the Holy Quran but is mentioned as a verb (Yubdi’u)
The Singular Nature of Divine Creation
Al-Mubdi’s role as the initiator of all creation highlights the singular, unparalleled nature of divine creativity, which stands in stark contrast to human creativity that often relies on existing models or inspirations. This divine attribute emphasizes that Allah’s creation is not only original but also transcends the boundaries and limitations familiar to human understanding. For example, the creation of the universe, the complexities of the human body, and the intricate details of ecological systems—each of these began as a unique act of divine creativity.
The Quranic verse from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:117) states:
بَدِيعُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۖ وَإِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ
“He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.”
This verse underscores the effortless power behind Allah’s creative will. This absolute command exemplifies the ease with which Allah can bring forth existence from non-existence, a concept that deeply enriches the Muslim understanding of God’s omnipotence and sovereignty.
Al-Mubdi and Human Responsibility in Creation
Understanding Allah as Al-Mubdi also has profound implications for human responsibility, particularly in how humans interact with the environment and engage in their own creative endeavors. Muslims are encouraged to view their creative acts, whether they be in art, science, or technology, as part of stewardship of the Earth, which Allah has entrusted to them. This stewardship is meant to be conducted with humility and a sense of responsibility, recognizing that while humans can manipulate existing materials, the initial act of creation belongs solely to Allah.
The Quran addresses this stewardship in Surah Al-A’raf (7:31):
يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ
“O Children of Adam! Take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.”
This verse reminds believers to maintain balance and moderation in all things, reflecting the order and precision with which Allah initiated creation.
Reflecting on Al-Mubdi in the Cycle of Life and Death
Finally, reflecting on Al-Mubdi encourages believers to contemplate the full cycle of life and death. The attribute of Al-Mubdi is complemented by Al-Mu’id, highlighting the continuous divine cycle of bringing forth life and returning it to its origin at the appointed time. This cycle serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of life and the reality of resurrection, reinforcing the Islamic teachings on the afterlife and the eternal life to come.
In Surah Al-Muminun (23:12-14), Allah details the stages of human creation:
وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ مِن سُلَالَةٍ مِّن طِينٍ ثُمَّ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُطْفَةً فِي قَرَارٍ مَّكِينٍ ثُمَّ خَلَقْنَا النُّطْفَةَ عَلَقَةً فَخَلَقْنَا الْعَلَقَةَ مُضْغَةً فَخَلَقْنَا الْمُضْغَةَ عِظَامًا فَكَسَوْنَا الْعِظَامَ لَحْمًا ثُمَّ أَنشَأْنَاهُ خَلْقًا آخَرَ فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِينَ
“And indeed We created man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump, and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.”
This detailed description not only illustrates the complexity and precision of divine creation but also serves to remind humans of their humble beginnings and their ultimate return to the Creator.
These reflections on Al-Mubdi not only enhance a Muslim’s awe and reverence for Allah but also serve to embed a sense of purpose and responsibility in their daily lives, guided by the recognition of Allah’s ultimate sovereignty over all creation.