Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Baasit
The Englarger, The One who constricts the sustenance by His wisdom and expands and widens it with His Generosity and Mercy.
It is mentioned 0 times in the Holy Quran, but it was mentioned in the Hadith
حَدَّثَنَا عُثْمَانُ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا عَفَّانُ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ سَلَمَةَ، أَخْبَرَنَا ثَابِتٌ، عَنْ أَنَسٍ، وَقَتَادَةُ، وَحُمَيْدٌ، عَنْ أَنَسٍ، قَالَ قَالَ النَّاسُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ غَلاَ السِّعْرُ فَسَعِّرْ لَنَا . فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ” إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْمُسَعِّرُ الْقَابِضُ الْبَاسِطُ الرَّازِقُ وَإِنِّي لأَرْجُو أَنْ أَلْقَى اللَّهَ وَلَيْسَ أَحَدٌ مِنْكُمْ يُطَالِبُنِي بِمَظْلَمَةٍ فِي دَمٍ وَلاَ مَالٍ ” .
Narrated Anas ibn Malik:
The people said: Messenger of Allah , prices have shot up, so fix prices for us. Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Allah is the one Who fixes prices, Who withholds, gives lavishly and provides, and I hope that when I meet Allah, none of you will have any claim on me for an injustice regarding blood or property.
Sahih Al-Albani
Reflecting on the divine attribute of Al-Basit, “The Expander,” reveals the profound nature of Allah’s generosity and mercy. This name illustrates how Allah extends His bounties and eases the hearts of His believers, granting them peace and resilience. It is through understanding Al-Basit that we see the endless possibilities for growth and comfort provided by Allah, even during times when our resources or spirits seem constricted. By embracing this attribute, we are reminded of the potential for expansion in our lives—be it spiritual, emotional, or material—encouraging us to remain open to the blessings that Allah, in His wisdom, bestows upon us.
Understanding Divine Economy: Trust in Al-Basit
In the realm of divine economics, Allah as Al-Basit, “The Enlarger,” teaches us to understand and accept the fluctuations in our material provisions as part of a greater divine wisdom. Recognizing that Allah expands and constricts sustenance reminds believers to maintain trust in Allah’s judgment and provision, especially during economic uncertainties. This perspective encourages a patient and faithful response to economic highs and lows, understanding them as opportunities for spiritual growth and reminders of our reliance on Allah. It fosters a mindset that transcends the panic of price hikes or economic downturns, promoting calm and stability within the community.
The Role of Al-Basit in Fostering Generosity
Al-Basit not only expands physical sustenance but also enriches hearts with generosity. Believers inspired by this divine attribute are encouraged to emulate it by being open-handed and charitable, especially when they find themselves in positions of abundance. This practice of generosity reinforces social bonds and ensures that the needs of the less fortunate are met, reflecting the prophetic tradition which emphasizes caring for one’s community. It transforms personal wealth into a tool for social welfare and spiritual reward, aligning economic activities with divine approval.
Al-Basit and Economic Justice
The concept of Allah as Al-Basit also underscores the importance of economic justice and ethical conduct in trade. It reminds Muslims that true price control and provision lie in the hands of Allah, discouraging practices like hoarding, price manipulation, or exploitation. This divine attribute serves as a reminder to business owners and consumers alike to engage in fair trading practices, to be content with lawful earnings, and to trust that Allah will provide for them without resorting to injustice. The Hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) refused to fix prices highlights the principle that economic justice should prevail, and that market prices should reflect a fair and honest assessment free from manipulation:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْمُسَعِّرُ الْقَابِضُ الْبَاسِطُ الرَّازِقُ
“Allah is the one Who fixes prices, Who withholds, gives lavishly and provides”
This statement not only teaches reliance on Allah but also discourages believers from expecting human interventions in matters Allah has reserved for His own wisdom and governance. It promotes a healthy economic environment where trust in divine provision overrides the anxiety associated with market dynamics.